Cardinal George Pell makes first court appearance

Cardinal George Pell has made his first appearance at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court.

The 76-year-old has taken leave from his position as Vatican treasurer to return to Australia to fight historical sexual offence charges involving multiple complainants.

In dramatic scenes, he was flanked by several police upon his arrival.

Local and international media swarmed on the courtroom, with supporters of Cardinal Pell also outside on the street.

The appearance lasted just minutes, the first stage of a lengthy legal process.

Pell is the highest-ranking Catholic official to be charged with sexual abuse.

He’s due in court again in October.

Cardinal Pell has arrived at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court for the first time in history facing sex offence allegations @theheraldsun pic.twitter.com/4qWEa2gTEA

— Cassie Zervos (@cassiezervos) July 25, 2017