SCANDAL

Vatican Cardinal Charged with Sexual Assault

Australia’s George Pell is a top adviser to Pope Francis.

A top Vatican cardinal has been charged with multiple counts of sexual assault. Police in Australia want George Pell, Australia’s highest-ranking Catholic and a top adviser to Pope Francis, to appear in court on July 18 over charges of “historic sexual offenses.” Pell has previously denied allegations of sexual misconduct. Pell plans on returning to Australia to fight the charges, the Sydney archdiocese said. Australian detectives traveled to the Vatican last year to interview Pell. “It is important to note that none of the allegations that have been made against Cardinal Pell have, obviously, been tested in any court yet,” Victoria state police deputy commissioner Shane Patton said. “Cardinal Pell, like any other defendant, has a right to due process.”