China
22:32, 26-Jul-2017
Opinions divided over senior Vatican official’s sex charges
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In Australia, both detractors and supporters of Cardinal George Pell have gathered outside Melbourne Magistrates' Court, as the Vatican treasurer made his first court appearance on Wednesday.
Catholic Cardinal Pell was summoned last month by the Australian police to appear on charges of "historical sexual offenses" from multiple complainants. Lawyers for the Australian cleric said he would plead not guilty to the charges. Police have not released any details about the charges – other than the fact that there are several complainants leveled against Pell.
Pell, who is in poor health, was granted leave from his Vatican post as Prefect of the Secretariat of the Economy to return to Australia and fight the charges.
“I’m looking forward finally to having my day in court. I'm innocent of these charges, they are false. The whole idea of sexual abuse is abhorrent to me,” claimed Pell. He added, “The allegations are untrue, I deny them.”
Pell is scheduled to return to court in October.
Outside the court, local spectators jockeyed for a glimpse of the man under the media spotlight. One woman shouted, “shame on you, shame on your religion.” “Innocent until proven guilty, this is an accusation,” yelled another woman.