Vatican treasurer to face March court hearing in Australia over historical sex charges

MELBOURNE (Reuters) – Vatican treasurer Cardinal George Pell will face a court hearing in Australia next year to answer what police have described as &ldquo-historical sexual offences&rdquo-, a magistrate said on Friday, the most senior Roman Catholic official to face such accusations.

Pell, 76, a top adviser to Pope Francis, did not speak as he was escorted to and from Melbourne Magistrates&rsquo- Court by police through a group of media, protesters and supporters. He was not required to enter a plea.

Australian police said in June Pell had been summoned to appear on charges of &ldquo-historical sexual offences&rdquo- from multiple complainants. Details of the charges have not been made public.

Pell&rsquo-s lawyers have said at a previous hearing he will plead not guilty to all charges. He is not required to enter a formal plea until a magistrate determines whether there is cause for a full trial.

At a 20-minute hearing on Friday, a magistrate said the matter should return on March 5 for a committal hearing to determine whether it should proceed to a full trial.

The magistrate set aside four weeks for the committal hearing.

Pell is on a leave of absence from his Vatican role as Francis&rsquo- economy minister, which he started in 2014. The pontiff has said he will not comment on the case until it is over.