Cardinal George Pell has arrived at a Melbourne court flanked by police officers, as a huge media pack gathered around him.
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The cardinal is fronting court for the first time on historical sex offence charges.
A large media pack waits outside the Magistrates court for Cardinal George Pell, who is fronting court for the first time on historical sex offence charges.
Earlier
Reporters and camera crews began assembling outside Melbourne Magistrates Court on William Street well before 6am on Wednesday, ahead of Cardinal Pell's scheduled appearance later in the morning.
International media also gathered outside the court, including a large crew from US news broadcaster CNN. Security has also been stepped up outside the court, with guards standing in front of the main doors.
Protesters arrived soon after, with one holding a large sign.
Cardinal Pell will be in court for what should be a short administrative hearing, where his lawyers and prosecutors will discuss with the magistrate the timetable for his case, and the date of his next court appearance.
Cardinal Pell is not obliged to attend court on Wednesday because he was charged on summons, but Fairfax Media understands he will be there.
The 76-year-old, who is one of the highest ranking officials in the Catholic Church, was charged last month with historical sex offence charges involving multiple complainants. Details of the charges are yet to be revealed.
He flew back to Australia from the Vatican about a fortnight ago with the intention of appearing in court. He has been based in Sydney while awaiting his court date.
It is not yet known when Cardinal Pell will arrive at William Street, but his case is expected to be called at 10am.
His supporters and survivors of sex abuse - not related to Cardinal Pell's case - are also expected to be at the court.
One woman was in the queue outside court, before sunrise, holding a religious painting.
The court has maintained it will take a business as usual approach to the high-profile case, which means Cardinal Pell could join the queue of accused criminals, solicitors and police waiting to get into the court.
A court spokeswoman confirmed the Cardinal would be required to enter the building through the front door, be scanned by security staff, sit in general seating and have his name read on the daily list.
The filing hearing is likely to last only a few minutes and will allow the magistrate to set dates for future hearings.
Media has been forbidden from live blogging, or tweeting from inside the court.
While Cardinal Pell will be guaranteed a seat inside the courtroom, the same cannot be said for everyone with an interest in the case.
It is understood the hearing will take place in courtroom 2, which has just 37 seats.
Cardinal Pell has retained leading Victorian criminal barrister, Robert Richter QC.
The cardinal has denied the alleged offending and at a press conference in Rome last month said he was looking forward to his day in court.
"I am innocent of these charges, they are false. The whole idea of sexual abuse is abhorrent to me," he said.
"All along, I have been completely consistent and clear in my total rejection of these allegations. News of these charges strengthens my resolve. And court proceedings now offer me an opportunity to clear my name and then return here back to Rome to work."
