A senior adviser to Pope Francis, cardinal George Pell goes to the Vatican over allegations of sexual assault. This case is the latest black mark of the Catholic Church, which is reeling from scandals of sexual violence in several countries.

"I am innocent of these accusations, they are false," said Pell at a press conference in Rome. "The whole idea of sexual violence is repugnant to me." Australian police published a detailed list of charges and did not disclose any information about alleged victims, saying that only "some applicants". "The news about these accusations strengthened my resolve, and trials now give me the opportunity to clear my name," said Pell.

In 2013, Pell, the most senior Catholic in Australia, was named one of the 8 cardinals, who were instructed to investigate ways of reforming the Catholic Church. Sexual abuse and coverup in the Catholic Church were registered in the United States, Ireland, Brazil, Netherlands, Germany and Australia.

Pell's successor in Melbourne, Archbishop Denis HART, has issued a statement saying that he believes that Pell has the right to a fair trial. Pell will appear in the magistrate's court of Melbourne on July 18. The announcement is likely to be a serious blow to the reputation of the Catholic Church in Australia, which in recent years has reduced its membership. Charges can also have implications for Pope Francis, who believes Cardinal Pell as its chief Advisor.

"The Holy see expresses its respect to the Australian justice system, which would solve the issue", - said the press-Secretary of the Vatican Greg Burke. "At the same time, it is important to remember that cardinal Pell has openly and repeatedly condemned the immoral and intolerable acts of child abuse".
sections: Politics, World News, Accidents, Accidents