George Pell takes leave from Vatican to fight sexual abuse charges in Australia
(The Guardian Italy)

Cardinal says he is victim of `relentless character assassination´Pope Francis praises Pell in supportive additional statementPell is highest-ranking figure to be charged in global church scandal Cardinal George Pell, Australia´s most senior Catholic and the third highest ranking official in the Vatican, is taking leave from the Holy See to return to Australia to face historical sexual assault charges.Pell confirmed on Thursday in Rome that he had spoken to Pope Francis and been granted leave. The Vatican in turn responded with a statement supportive of Pell. Related: The charges against Cardinal George Pell - explainer Related: George Pell charged with sexual offences: a timeline of the cardinal`s life Related: Publisher withdraws book on George Pell from Victorian shops Continue reading...