An Australian bishop is facing accusations of rape and indecent assault, making him one of the most senior Catholics in the country to be charged with sex crimes. Emeritus Bishop Christopher Alan Saunders was arrested in Western Australia on Wednesday evening after a high-powered internal Vatican investigation prompted child abuse detectives to take action. He has been charged with 14 counts of unlawful and indecent assault, two counts of sexual penetration without consent, and three counts of “indecently dealing with a child” between 16 and 18 years old. Archbishop of Perth Timothy Costelloe, the president of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, called the allegations “deeply distressing” and emphasized the need for a thorough investigation.
Saunders’ alleged offences are said to have taken place between 2008 and 2014, during his time presiding over the Diocese of Broome. He stepped down as bishop in 2020 when sexual abuse allegations first arose, but retained the title of “emeritus bishop.” Despite initially insufficient evidence to charge Saunders, the Vatican launched its own probe in 2022 using powers established by Pope Francis to investigate sexual abuse accusations at the highest levels. The confidential church findings were later shared with police, leading to a re-opening of the investigation. The late Australian cardinal and Vatican powerbroker, George Pell, was imprisoned on sexual abuse charges in 2019, but his convictions were overturned the following year.