Timeline set down for George Pell appeal

George Pell's lawyers have less than two months to tell Australia's highest court why the sex offender's convictions should be overturned.

A timeline for the Catholic cardinal's High Court case has been set down, with written submissions on his behalf due by January 8.

The 78-year-old was jailed for six years in March for sexually assaulting two choirboys at Melbourne's St Patrick's Cathedral in 1996.

He was Archbishop of Melbourne at the time and is the most senior Catholic cleric to be jailed for sexually abusing children.

However, the High Court has agreed to hear Pell's case to plead his innocence, before deciding whether to grant special leave to hear the appeal.

Prosecutors have until February 5 to respond to the cardinal's arguments, with Pell then to respond by February 26.

The High Court has previously held hearings within about a month of parties making their submissions.

Victoria's Court of Appeal upheld Pell's conviction two judges to one.