Authorities in Victoria are expected to charge Australia's highest-ranking Roman catholic official Cardinal George Pell with serious sex offenses, reportedly included three counts of rape.

The 76-year old has been living in the Vatican since 2016 because of health reasons, and it's not clear if he will return to Australia or if authorities will seek extradition.  Australia has not extradition treaty with the Vatican. 

Victorian police confirmed they were formally investigating the charges last July.  Pell denied the allegations.  In October, three officers had to fly to Rome to interview Cardinal Pell about alleged sexual assaults in Ballarat between 1976 and 1980, and in East Melbourne between 1996 and 2001.