Australian bishop Christopher Saunders charged with rape

Australian bishop Christopher Saunders has been accused of rape and a series of historical sexual offences, some involving children. The 74-year-old was arrested in Broome on Wednesday following parallel investigations conducted by Western Australian police and the Vatican. 

Despite denying previous allegations, Saunders was denied bail and is scheduled to appear in court on Thursday. He stands as one of the highest-ranking Catholic figures to face such charges.

The accusations against Saunders include two charges of rape, 14 charges of unlawful and indecent assault, and three charges of indecently dealing with a child in a position of authority. 

The alleged incidents took place in remote Western Australian communities such as Broome, Kununurra, and the Aboriginal settlement of Kalumburu between 2008 and 2014. 

With the exception of the late Cardinal George Pell, who was incarcerated and later acquitted. Saunders is the most prominent Catholic official in Australia to face allegations of child sexual abuse.