Archbishops across Australia have expressed shock after Cardinal George Pell, a man they laud for his "integrity", was charged with historical sexual abuse.
Cardinal Pell, the Vatican's 76-year-old finance chief, was charged by summons on Thursday with several historical offences.
The accused cardinal announced he would fly back to Victoria to clear his name.
Sydney Archbishop Anthony Fisher, who succeeded Cardinal Pell in the role and has known him for almost three decades, says he's shocked to hear about the charges against the "honest man".
"The George Pell I know is a man of integrity in his dealings with others, a man of faith and high ideals, a thoroughly decent man," Archbishop Fisher said in a statement.
He urged people to pray for truth and justice in the case and added no person should be prejudged because of their high profile, religious convictions or positions on social issues.
Archbishop Fisher said the Sydney archdiocese would assist with Cardinal Pell's accommodation and offer support but wasn't responsible for his legal bills.
Hobart Archbishop Julian Porteous, who worked with Cardinal Pell in Sydney for 10 years, said he has never had any reason to doubt his integrity.
"I offer Cardinal Pell my support and prayers at this time," he said.
"I have faith in the Australian legal system. Our system preserves the presumption of innocence for all."
The Archbishop of Melbourne, Denis Hart, said while he was aware of the significance of the charges he hoped his friend of more than 50 years would receive a fair trial.
"It is a matter of public record that Cardinal Pell addressed the evil of sexual abuse in the church on becoming Archbishop of Melbourne in 1996," Archbishop Hart said.
"It is important all in society recognise that the presumption of innocence applies and that Cardinal Pell, like all Australians, is entitled to a fair trial."
A filing hearing in Cardinal Pell's case is scheduled in the Melbourne Magistrates' Court in late July.
