Cardinal George Pell, a senior adviser to the Pope, has been charged in Australia with multiple sex crimes. "I am looking forward finally to having my day in court. I repeat that I am innocent of these charges. They are false," said Pell, the highest ranking Vatican official to ever face accusations of sexual abuse. Australian police said Pell, 76, faced "charges in respect of historic sexual offenses" from multiple complainants, but they did not specify the charges, the age of the alleged victims or where the crimes might have occurred. Pell was ordered to appear before a court in Melbourne on July 18. Last year, after Australian police said Pell was being investigated on suspicion of sexual abuse, Pope Francis said the cardinal should not be tried by the media: "It's in the hands of the justice system and one cannot judge before the justice system ... After the justice system speaks, I will speak." – REUTERS