<p>Cardinal George Pell, the leader of the Catholic Church in Australia, was charged with multiple historical sexual assault offences on Thursday, June 29.</p><p>Victoria Police confirmed in a press conference that Cardinal Pell was charged on summons and required to appear at the Melbourne Magistrates Court on July 18.</p><p>Deputy Commissioner Shane Patton said there were multiple complainants in relation to the charges.</p><p>“None of the allegations made against Cardinal Pell have obviously been tested in any court yet. Cardinal Pell, like any other defendant, has a right to due process and so therefore it’s important that the process is allowed to run its natural course,”Patton said.</p><p>The 76-year-old is the third-most senior figure in the Catholic Church and is currently based at the Vatican</a>. Credit: Victoria Police via Storyful</p><br />
