Cardinal Pell has been charged on summons to face multiple historic offences.
He says he is looking forward to clearing his name.
Vatican spokesman Greg Burke says Pope Francis has granted Cardinal Pell a leave of absence to defend himself.
Cardinal Pell is the Pope's chief financial adviser.
He is the highest-ranking Vatican official to be charged in the sexual abuse scandal.
Victoria Police Deputy Commissioner Shane Patton says Cardinal Pell has been treated the same as anyone else in an investigation of this nature.
Commissioner Patton says Cardinal Pell was charged on summons due to advice that was received and sought from the Office of Public Prosecutions.
He says the final decision to charge Cardinal Pell was made by Victoria Police.
Deputy Commissioner Patton says Cardinal Pell has a right to due process.
Former Catholic priest Paul Collins calls the charges unprecedented.
Victim advocate Dr Pam Stavropoulos from the Blue Knot Foundation says the fact charges have been laid at all is a victory.
The Cardinal will not be attending any public church events in the forseeable future as he begins a leave of absence.
Victoria Police say Cardinal Pell will appear in Melbourne Magistrates Court on July 18 for a filing hearing.
