Vatican Treasurer Cardinal George Pell must face trial on charges of historical sexual offences, an Melbourne court ruled on Tuesday, making him the most senior Catholic official to be tried on such allegations.
Magistrate Belinda Wallington on Tuesday 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.
Pell has strenuously denied all charges, and Tuesday's committal comes after a four-week-long hearing to determine whether the allegations would go to trial in the County Court.
Pell, who took leave from his position as Vatican treasurer to fight the charges, was in court to hear the decision.
The magistrate is continuing to deliver her findings.
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.
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