One of the highest figures in the Vatican, cardinal George Pell was not found guilty of numerous charges of historic offences of sexual violence, said the lawyer in an Australian court on Wednesday.
After he got in and out of the court house, followed by a huge explosion in the media, requiring the police to help clear the way for the cardinal. Both supporters and protesters gathered outside the magistrates court to see the cardinal.
76-year-old Pell is the most senior cardinal in the history of the Catholic Church, ever facing criminal charges.
The cardinal, which is one of the leading criminal defense attorneys of Australia, Robert Richter, rose in the ranks from working as a young priest in Victoria to the third most powerful figure in the inner sanctuary of the Vatican together with Pope Francis.
Charges against Pella came after a special police task force was created in 2013 to investigate complaints of abuse by Catholic clergy and other religious orders and institutions.
Cardinal was charged on 29 June this year, the Victoria police and was ordered to appear in court for his first hearing on Wednesday.
His next court day will be October 6th. Pell has consistently and strongly denied the allegations.
Speaking at a press conference in the press-service of the Holy see after he was indicted, he said, "I'm looking forward to finally their day in court. "I am innocent of these accusations, they are false. The whole idea of sexual violence is repugnant to me." Cardinal Pell, for his part, said last month that he hopes to return to his role in Rome after the court case.
sections: Politics, World News, Accidents, Accidents |
Russian News
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