Cardinal Pell to be in court this week

Cardinal George Pell will appear in person for his first court hearing on historical sexual offence charges.

Australia's most senior Catholic plans to be at the Melbourne Magistrates Court for Wednesday's filing hearing.

It will be a short administrative hearing to set the next dates in the court process.

Cardinal Pell, 76, was charged on summons on June 29 with multiple historical sexual offence charges involving multiple complainants.

It is understood Cardinal Pell could have asked to have his lawyer appear on his behalf at the filing hearing, but he will appear in person.

Pope Francis has granted Cardinal Pell, who as Vatican treasurer is considered the third most powerful person in the Catholic Church, a leave of absence to return to Australia to defend himself.

Cardinal Pell arrived in Sydney on July 10, after following his doctors' advice to avoid taking a long-haul flight from Rome to Australia due to his heart condition.

The former Sydney and Melbourne archbishop and Ballarat priest has repeatedly rejected the allegations and maintains he is innocent.

Cardinal Pell has taken leave from his position as prefect for the Secretariat for the Economy to return to Australia to clear his name, saying he is looking forward to finally having his day in court after a two-year investigation.

Wednesday's filing hearing is expected to attract international media attention.

It is understood no special arrangements have been made for his appearance in court, which will operate on a business as usual basis.