Australia Charges Vatican Official with Sex Crimes

Australia Charges Vatican Official with Sex Crimes

Police in Australia have charged a top Vatican official with "historic sexual offenses."

Police officials did not give details of the charges against Cardinal George Pell. But they did say the charges are based on claims by more than one person.

Pell has been ordered to appear for a hearing in a Melbourne court on July 18.

The cardinal serves as chief financial adviser to Pope Francis.

The case increases pressure on the pope to act on promises to fight sexual abuse in the Roman Catholic Church

Pell told reporters in Vatican City that he is innocent of the charges. He said the charges are an attack against his character. He added that “The whole idea of sexual abuse is abhorrent to me," and that he is looking forward to having his day in court.

A Vatican spokesman expressed respect for the Australian justice system. He also said that Pope Francis has given Pell a leave of absence -- an extended period of time away from his job.

The Australian cardinal is the highest Roman Catholic clergyman to face charges of sexual abuse.

Sexual abuse in the church first captured the world's attention in 2002. That is when reports about sexually abusive Catholic bishops in the American city of Boston, Massachusetts, began appearing in the news.

The reports found that clergymen would move abusers to new positions in the church instead of dismissing them.

Thousands of cases of sexual abuse have since been reported worldwide. Investigators have urged victims to go public.

The Roman Catholic Church has paid more than $2 billion in compensation to the accusers.

I’m Pete Musto.

This story first appeared on VOANews.com. George Grow adapted this story for Learning English. Ashley Thompson was the editor.

Words in This Story

abhorrent – adj. causing strong dislike or hatred; not agreeable

compensation – n. payment; legal judgment for damages

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