Vatican official faces sex assault charges in Australia

Cardinal George Pell, a senior Vatican official, on Thursday took a leave of absence after authorities from his native Australia filed multiple sexual assault charges against him. Pell, 76, had served as an archbishop in both Melbourne and Sydney. Victoria state Police Deputy Commissioner Shane Patton announced the charges early Thursday and said there are several complainants against Pell, who faces multiple counts of “historical sexual assault offenses.” Pell is set to appear in Melbourne Magistrates Court on July 18. Australian detectives flew last year to Rome to interview the cardinal as part of the investigation. Pell denied the charges and said he will return to Australia to clear his name.

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