Melbourne Magistrate Belinda Wallington delivered her decision Tuesday morning after a month-long committal hearing in March that heard evidence from a large number of witnesses.

Wallington dropped half the charges but found there was enough evidence to commit Pell, one of the country's most senior Catholic figures, to trial on multiple counts.

Pell, who has long protested his innocence, didn't show any emotion as the decision was announced. When asked to enter a plea, the cardinal said in a loud, clear voice, "not guilty."

At the end of the hearing the prosecution confirmed Pell had already handed in his passport and he was not allowed to leave the country.

Tuesday's decision to send Pell's case to trial will be a shock to an already embattled Catholic Church, which has been fighting allegations of abuse among its clergy for decades.

Thousands of cases brought to light around the world have led to investigations and convictions in countries including the United States, Canada, Ireland and Australia.

The charges relate to claims of historical sexual abuse spanning three decades and include events that allegedly took place at a swimming pool in rural Victoria in the 1970s and at St Patrick's Cathedral during Pell's time as Archbishop of Melbourne in the 1990s.

In a statement released Tuesday, Pell's legal team said its client "steadfastly" maintained his innocence. "He will defend the remaining charges. He would like to thank all those who have supported him from both here in Australia and overseas during this exacting time," the statement said.

The Vatican stood by Pell in a statement released Tuesday, saying they had "taken note" of the court's decision. "Last year, the Holy Father granted Cardinal Pell a leave of absence so he could defend himself from the accusations. The leave of absence is still in place," the statement said.

CNN

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