Pell takes leave after sex abuse charges (2)

(ANSA) - Vatican City, June 29 - Cardinal George Pell said Thursday that he had taken leave of absence from a top Vatican post to defend himself of sexual assault charges in his homeland Australia. "I'm totally innocent of these charges," Pell, 76, told a press conference after Victoria state Police said he had been summoned to appear in court to face multiple counts of "historical sexual assault offenses". The Vatican press office said Pope Francis had granted Pell a leave of absence as prefect of the secretariat for the economy "so he can defend himself". "All along I have been completely consistent and clear in my total rejection of these allegations," Pell said, adding that he had kept Pope Francis regularly informed about the situation. Pell blasted media leaks about the case and said he was the victim of "relentless character assassination". "I'm looking forward, finally, to my day in court," the cardinal said. "The whole idea of sexual abuse is abhorrent to me".