Christopher Saunders could be accused of rape and pedophilia
Former bishop Christopher Saunders, 74, was arrested in Broome, Australia, on charges of rape and other sexual crimes, including pedophilia.
According to local authorities, the arrest of the cleric took place last Wednesday (21st) and occurred after parallel investigations ordered by the Western Australian police and Pope Francis.
Saunders is the subject of multiple allegations of sexual assault, assault and child abuse. The crimes allegedly occurred in the small towns of Broome and Kalumburu, between 2008 and 2014.
The Australian, however, was released a few hours later on bail, but will remain confined at home until the next hearing on the case, scheduled for June.
Aside from the late Cardinal George Pell, who was arrested and later acquitted, Saunders is the nation’s highest-ranking Catholic official accused of committing sex crimes against children.
In 2021, the leader of the Catholic Church accepted the resignation from the pastoral governance of the diocese of Broome presented by Saunders, who remains bishop emeritus.
The Australian Bishops’ Conference released a statement promising to cooperate with the police. The entity called the allegations “very serious and deeply distressing.” .
Source: Terra
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