Clashes outside St Mary's Cathedral in Sydney ahead of Cardinal George Pell funeral

Police were called to St Mary's Cathedral in Sydney ahead of the funeral of Cardinal George Pell.

Pell supporters approached child abuse activists who were tying ribbons to fences at the cathedral the evening before the service.

They were reportedly shouting angrily at the silent protesters as evening prayer was wrapping up.

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Earlier, it was agreed a planned protest around Pell's funeral can go ahead after police and activist groups agreed on an alternative route.

Community Action for Rainbow Rights planned to rally outside of St Mary's Cathedral in the city's CBD, but police wanted to block it, citing safety concerns and made an urgent application to the NSW Supreme Court.

READ MORE: Pell funeral protest to go ahead as police, activists agree on route

Meanwhile former Prime Minister Tony Abbott will be one of the speakers at the 11am service for the 81-year-old who died in Rome last month.

Pell's brother David will also deliver a eulogy at the funeral, lead by the Archbishop of Sydney, Anthony Fisher.

Ex-PM John Howard and current Liberal Party leader Peter Dutton will attend.

But other senior politicians including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will stay away.

The Governor General, David Hurley, won't attend either.

Relatives Sarah and Georgina Pell will also speak, according to the order of service, which also includes a message from Pope Francis.

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He writes of his "heartfelt gratitude his consistent and committed witness, his dedication to the gospel and to the church and especially his diligent collaboration with the Holy Sea in tis recent economic reform."

Also in the program, Archbishop Fisher called Pell a "proud Australian" and a "courageous leader" said his motto was "Be Not Afraid".

"Through good days and bad he lived up to these words and a man a courage and with a big heart who trusted in divine proceedings," it says.

The funeral program includes photos of Pell throughout his life, including with various Popes.

Australia's highest-ranking Catholic church official died following hip surgery complications.

A top adviser to Pope Francis and one of the most powerful figures in the Vatican, Pell faced criticism for his response to child sexual abuse allegations within the church and was himself jailed on historical charges in a conviction that was later quashed.

Pell, the highest-ranking Catholic official to be jailed over child sexual abuse allegations, always maintained his innocence but spent more than a year in jail before the High Court overturned the decision in 2020.

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