Vatican Treasurer Cardinal George Pell must face trial on charges of historical sexual offences, a Melbourne court ruled on Tuesday, making him the most senior Catholic official to be tried on such allegations.
Magistrate Belinda Wallington found there is evidence of sufficient weight against Australia's most senior Catholic cleric for him to stand trial on some allegations.
Several other charges against the 76-year-old were struck out.
In court, Pell pleaded not guilty in a firm, loud voice.
Cardinal George Pell departs the Melbourne Magistrates Court in Melbourne on Tuesday, May 1, 2018. Source: AAP
The Vatican said in a statement on Tuesday: "The Holy See has taken note of the decision issued by judicial authorities in Australia regarding His Eminence Cardinal George Pell.
"Last year, the Holy Father granted Cardinal Pell a leave of absence so he could defend himself from the accusations. The leave of absence is still in place."
Tuesday's decision follows a four-week pre-trial committal hearing in March during which more than 30 people were cross-examined by Pell's legal team.
Pell, who took leave from his position as Vatican treasurer to fight the charges, was in court to hear the decision.
He is due to appear before Victoria's County Court on Wednesday for a directions hearing.
The cardinal cannot leave Australia as part of his bail conditions.
As Ms Wallington set bail, defence barrister Robert Richter QC objected to Pell being banned from international departure ports because of the possibility he may "receive or greet" visitors at the airport.
In a statement issued after Tuesday's hearing, Pell's lawyers said he "steadfastly maintained his innocence".
"He would like to thank all those who have supported him from both here in Australia and overseas during this exacting time," the statement read.
During the pre-hearing, the defence repeatedly attacked the police investigation into Pell, which began in March 2013 before any crime had been reported.
In April the defence and prosecution returned to Melbourne Magistrates Court for further legal arguments. Pell was excused from attending.
Mr Richter argued Pell had been targeted as Australia's most senior Catholic amid hatred and public furore over the church's response to clergy abuse.
Mr Richter suggested some of the allegations were the product of fantasy, mental problems or pure invention.
He also suggested claims about Pell made in a television program led to other people making complaints against the cardinal, creating a kind of public furore.
But crown prosecutor Mark Gibson SC said the defence attack on the complainants' credibility amounted to nothing more than "a conflict in the evidence", which was up to a jury to decide.
Mr Gibson said there was no evidence to back the defence theory that Pell was being targeted because the church had failed to stop sexual abuse.
