Card. George Pell, the prefect of the Vatican’s Secretariat for the Economy, has been ordered to appear in a Melbourne court on July 26 to face sexual abuse charges. The charges stem from allegations made by “multiple complainants,” according to a deputy police commissioner. In a separate hearing on July 6, a judge will decide whether to release details about the charges.
“I am looking forward finally to having my day in court,” Cardinal Pell said at a press conference. “I repeat that I am innocent of these charges. They are false.” Card.Pell is the highest-ranking Vatican official ever to be charged with sexual abuse. Pope Francis has said that he will not comment on the charges “until the justice system passes judgment.”
