A frail-looking Vatican finance chief Cardinal George Pell, a top advisor to Pope Francis, arrived for a second court appearance Friday as he fights sexual abuse charges that he strongly denies.

The 76-year-old, the highest ranking Catholic official to face such offences, attended the Melbourne Magistrates Court for the largely administrative hearing even though he was not required to do so.

He is accused of multiple historical sexual offences, meaning that the alleged crimes occurred long ago.