Cardinal George Pell Back in Court Over Sexual Offence Charges

Cardinal George Pell, former Sydney and Melbourne Archbishop and Ballarat priest, has taken leave from his position as Vatican Treasurer to fight sexual offence charges.

He faces a four-week committal hearing beginning on Monday and is the highest-ranking Catholic official to be charged with sexual abuse.

A brief administrative update is set to occur at the Melbourne Magistrates court today, and the 76 year old Cardinal is not expected to attend.