Cardinal Pell was not required to enter a plea, but his high-profile defence barrister Robert Richter, QC, told the packed Melbourne courtroom his client would plead not guilty.

"For the avoidance of doubt and because of the interest, I might indicate that Cardinal Pell pleads not guilty to all charges and will maintain the presumed innocence that he has," he said.

Cardinal Pell, 76, has taken leave from his position as Vatican treasurer to return to Australia to fight historical sexual offence charges involving multiple complainants. Details of the charges are yet to be revealed.

He has denied the alleged offending.

The cardinal, who is one of the most powerful officials in the Catholic Church, sat in the front row of the court's public gallery, behind his legal team while the timetable of his case was discussed.

The hearing lasted just six minutes, before Magistrate Duncan Reynolds adjourned the case to October 6.

The cardinal was not obliged to attend court on Wednesday, but said last month he was looking forward to his day in court and flew back to Australia a fortnight later.

Reporters were assembled outside the court building at least five hours before Cardinal Pell's appearance, and the media pack steadily grew until the doors opened at 8.30am.

Cardinal Pell arrived about 8.50am, dressed in clerical clothing, with Mr Richter, and lawyers Ruth Shann and Paul Galbally alongside him.

At least six police officers escorted him into the building amid the crush of photographers and camera crews, while protesters holding placards watched on.

The cardinal was inside the building at 8.55am, before he was ushered away from public view by police.