Accused of historic sexual abuse Cardinal George Pell will face a four week committal hearing next year, and up to 50 witnesses are expected to be called upon.
Cardinal Pell (76) is the most senior Catholic Church official to face such charges, and is currently on leave from his position as the Vatican’s Prefect of the Secretariat for the Economy.
In legal discussion, according to The Age newspaper, the cardinal’s high-profile defence barrister Robert Richter, QC, said the prosecution case comprised “an awful lot of witnesses”, and said the amount of evidence was “voluminous”.
Magistrate Belinda Wallington gave the defence team permission to cross-examine most witnesses but ruled out five.
“We are dealing with historical events and memories are not static,” she said.
“I tend to think it’s appropriate for witnesses’ memories to be explored.”
Cardinal Pell will be pleading not guilty to all charges.