Cardinal George Pell issues statement in response to scandal

Cardinal George Pell, Australia’s most senior Catholic, has been charged with multiple sexual offences by Victoria Police. The 76-year-old has issued a response to the claims from the Vatican, and is set to return to Australian in an attempt to clear his name.

The charges were officially served on Pell’s legal representatives in Melbourne on Thursday and have been lodged at a Melbourne magistrates court, with the high-ranking Catholic figurehead due to stand before court on 18 July.

Victoria police’s deputy commissioner Shane Patton addressed the media, saying, “Cardinal Pell is facing multiple charges… and there are multiple complainants,” adding the charges facing Cardinal Pell were, “historical sexual assault offences”.

Pell’s statement, which was issued 4.30am Rome time, said: “Although it is still in the early hours of the morning in Rome, Cardinal George Pell has been informed of the decision and action of Victoria police. He has again strenuously denied all allegations.

“Cardinal Pell will return to Australia, as soon as possible, to clear his name following advice and approval by his doctors who will also advise on his travel arrangements.

“He said he is looking forward to his day in court and will defend the charges vigorously.”

At this stage, it is still unclear just what allegations Pell has been charged with.

Pell is due to make a further statement in Rome later on Thursday.

UPDATE: Cardinal Pell has addressed media in Rome, where he vehemently denied charges and reiterated his intention to return to Australia to prove his innocence. 

#Pell says he has spoken to doctors about the best way to return to Australia, and to the Pope about obtaining leave to do so — ABC News (@abcnews) June 29, 2017

Cardinal Pell arrives to make statement pic.twitter.com/e4cLG1MBRf — Lisa Millar (@LisaMillar) June 29, 2017

Image credit: Twitter / Newsweek