The main adviser to the Pope is accused of seducing minors

Photo: video frame

Australian Cardinal George Pell, who holds the post of treasurer of the Vatican, accused of debauchery against minors, police said the Australian state of Victoria, writes CNN.

This case was the last black mark against the Catholic Church, which recovered from the scandals of sexual violence in several countries. These accusations may have consequences for Pope Francis, who considers Pell to be his closest assistant.

The Australian police did not publish a detailed list of charges against Pella and did not disclose any information about the alleged victims, stating only that there were numerous charges and "numerous claimants".

Pell said he was a victim of slander and held a press conference in early Thursday in Rome to refute the allegations.

“I am innocent of these charges, they are false,” Pell said. “The whole idea of ​​sexual violence is disgusting to me.”

Pell will have to appear in July Melbourne 18 court for a hearing. It is expected that then submit a full list of charges.

"I want to be absolutely clear - the process and procedures that were followed in the prosecution of Cardinal Pell were the same ones that were followed across the full range of sexual offenses whenever we investigated them," the Victorian Police Commissioner told a news conference. “Cardinal Pell is being treated the same as everyone else in this investigation.”

Pell said he hopes to clear his name.

Photo: video frame

“Throughout this time, I have been completely consistent and clear in my complete rejection of these allegations. News of these charges strengthens my resolve, and the trials now give me the opportunity to clear my name,” Pell said. “I look forward to finally having my day in court.”

SNAP, a US-based group of survivors of abused by priests, welcomed the development. “We are always grateful and encouraged when law enforcement agencies go out of their way to gather evidence to build a case against a powerful individual,” the group said in a statement.

In Australia, a special commission investigates cases of child sexual abuse and the role of the Catholic Church in concealing such cases, writes Air force.

It is connected with the charges against the priest Gerald Risdale, who from 1993 to 2013 had already served a year for crimes against minors.

According to investigators, Risdale was involved in the sexual abuse of 130 boys from 1960 to 1980.

At the beginning of 1970, Pell lived with Risdale in the same house, and the commission believes that he might have known about the crimes of the latter, and could also be aware of similar actions from other clergymen he knew.

In February, Pell testified before a commission.

Earlier this year, representatives of the Catholic Church of Australia said that the victims of sexual abuse by the priests will be paid compensation in the amount of 213 million dollars.

Cardinal Pell himself admitted that the church was making “terrible mistakes” by refusing to believe in the victims.

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