Overview

• Christopher Saunders, former Bishop of Broome, has been charged with rape and a string of historical sex offenses, some against children, in Western Australia.
• The 74-year-old was arrested in Broome on Wednesday, following investigations by Western Australian police and the Vatican.
• Saunders is accused of two counts of rape, 14 counts of unlawful and indecent assault, and three counts of indecently dealing with a child as a person in authority.
• He has indicated he will plead not guilty to the charges, with a court appearance scheduled for June 17.
• The Catholic Bishops Conference has promised to cooperate with police, emphasizing the seriousness of the allegations.