The Vatican treasurer, Cardinal George Pell, has vehemently denied any wrongdoing after being charged with sex offences in his native Australia.
He complained that he had been subjected to "relentless character assassination" during a two-year investigation into the "false" claims.
He said the Pope had granted him a leave of absence to fight the charges.
The charges relate to alleged "historical" incidents, police in the state of Victoria said.
The allegations were made by a number of people, said Police Deputy Commissioner Shane Patton.
Cardinal Pell, 76, who is based in the Vatican, is considered the third-ranking official in the Holy See.
He told a news conference at the Holy See: "I'm looking forward finally to having my day in court.
"I am innocent of these charges, they are false. The whole idea of sexual abuse is abhorrent to me."
The Catholic Church worldwide has in recent years faced a damaging series of allegations relating to sex abuse by priests, and claims that these cases were covered up.
The Vatican's child abuse response
What are the charges?
Victoria Police said they had made the decision to charge Cardinal Pell after receiving advice from prosecutors last month.
"Cardinal Pell is facing multiple charges and there are multiple complainants," Deputy Commissioner Patton said.
Details of the allegations were not revealed.
Deputy Commissioner Patton said police "process and procedures" had been no different from any other investigation.
"Cardinal Pell has been treated the same as anyone else in this investigation," he said.
The charges were served on Cardinal Pell's legal representatives in Melbourne on Thursday.
The cardinal would be required to face the Melbourne Magistrates' Court on 18 July, Deputy Commissioner Patton said.