Cardinal George Pell, the leader of the Catholic Church in Australia, was charged with multiple historical sexual assault offences on Thursday, June 29.

Victoria Police confirmed in a press conference that Cardinal Pell was charged on summons and required to appear at the Melbourne Magistrates Court on July 18.

Deputy Commissioner Shane Patton said there were multiple complainants in relation to the charges.

“None of the allegations made against Cardinal Pell have obviously been tested in any court yet. Cardinal Pell, like any other defendant, has a right to due process and so therefore it’s important that the process is allowed to run its natural course,”Patton said.

The 76-year-old is the third-most senior figure in the Catholic Church and is currently based at the Vatican. Credit: Victoria Police via Storyful