BRIGGS: Cardinal George Pell, a top adviser to Pope Francis, is facing sexual assault charges this morning.</s>DELIA GALLAGHER, CNN VATICAN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Dave. This is a big story because not only is Cardinal Pell one of the highest- ranking officials in the Catholic Church, he was brought over by Pope Francis. He is the chief financial minister here at the Vatican and one of Pope Francis' closest advisers on reform at the Vatican. These allegations -- Dave, we don't know the exact nature of these charges. The Victoria Police only have said that they are historical allegations and we know from reports in Australia media for some time now there have been allegations referring to the seventies and eighties when Cardinal Pell was a priest in Australia. And ever since those allegations first came out the Cardinal has always strenuously denied them, as he did this morning here at the Vatican. The Vatican, as well, issued a statement this morning essentially supporting Cardinal Pell while, at the same time, expressing their respect for the Australian justice system which will now have to decide the merits of the case. But they reiterated the Cardinal's denial of any wrongdoing in this situation. They are banning him from any public liturgical events here at the Vatican and he has been given a leave of absence by Pope Francis to return to Australia to face the charges -- Dave.</s>BRIGGS: Delia Gallagher, live for us in Rome. Thank you.</s>ROMANS: All right, 48 minutes past the hour this Thursday morning.
Aide To Pope Faces Sex Charges