In recent decades nearly 60 Catholic bishops have been accused of abusing children, but few have ever faced criminal charges. George Pell, an Australian cardinal who—for now—manages the Vatican’s finances, recently became the highest-ranking clergyman to be indicted for such crimes. Today he stood before a Melbourne court accused of multiple historical sex offences. Earlier this year a royal commission inquiry into child abuse in Australia heard allegations that Cardinal Pell mishandled cases against colleagues, and offended against minors himself; he strongly denies the claims. In total, the commission found 1,880 alleged perpetrators of sex crimes within Australia’s Catholic church, a third of whom were priests. In some orders, up to 40% of members were accused of abuse over the 60 years to 2010. So far Pope Francis has rejected calls to remove Cardinal Pell. This case will test his efforts to face up to an unholy mess.