Australia's most senior Roman Catholic official announced he would "return to Australia, as soon as possible, to clear his name" after being charged with historic sex abuse.

"He said he is looking forward to his day in court and will defend the charges vigorously," according to the Cardinal's statement released by the Catholic archdiocese of Sydney.  "He has again strenuously denied all allegations."

It came 90 minutes after the bombshell announcement from Victoria Police.  "He is facing multiple charges in respect to historic sexual offences and there are multiple complaints relating to those charges," said Victoria Police Acting Chief Commissioner Shane Patton.  "The charges were today served on Cardinal Pell's legal representatives in Melbourne and they have been lodged also at the Melbourne Magistrates Court"; Pell has been summoned to front the Melbourne Magistrates Court on 18 July.

Pell is the number three official in the Vatican, in charge of the Catholic church's finances.