“Cardinal George Pell has faced a directions hearing in the Victorian County Court, where he will face trial on historical sexual offences.

“On Tuesday Australia’s most senior Catholic cleric entered a plea of not guilty in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court after being committed to stand trial on offences relating to multiple complainants.

“The 76-year-old was again escorted into court by police for the short procedural hearing.

“His bail was extended and he will return to court in a fortnight.

“Under Cardinal Pell’s bail conditions, he has surrendered his passport and is not allowed to leave Australia.

“Magistrate Belinda Wallington struck out about half of the charges, including the most serious, on Tuesday.”

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