POPE’S AIDE TO STAND TRIAL ON SEX OFFENCES

Melbourne, May 1: Vatican finance chief Cardinal George Pell became the highestranked Catholic ever to be sent to trial over historic sex offences on Tuesday, with the elderly priest vowing to fight the charges.

The 76-year-old was impassive throughout the hearing in Melbourne that ordered him to face a jury on “multiple” charges, although at least half of the allegations against him, including some of the most serious, were thrown out.

“Not guilty”, the top aide to Pope Francis said loudly and without hesitation when asked his plea, a stance he has taken since first being charged last year. Melbourne magistrate Belinda Wallington said she was “satisfied” there was enough evidence for a conviction on “multiple” charges with a directions hearing due tomorrow to discuss a trial date.

Pell, who entered the court surrounded by a large police presence, was released on bail on the condition he does not leave Australia. He has already handed in his passport, the court heard.

The former Sydney and Melbourne archbishop has been on leave from the Vatican, returning to Australia to fight the allegations which relate to incidents that allegedly occurred long ago.

The exact details and nature of the claims remain confidential, other than they involve “multiple complainants”.

The commission spoke to thousands of victims and heard claims of abuse involving churches, orphanages, sporting clubs, youth groups and schools. — AFP