As Cardinal George Pell prepares to fight historical sexual abuse charges, a special fund has been set up to help Australia's most senior Catholic pay his legal fees.

Supporters have been invited to chip in to fund the expensive battle, and Cardinal Pell has hired top criminal barrister Robert Richter, QC, to help defend him.

The Institute of Public Affairs executive director John Roskam has confirmed to the Herald Sun that he received bank details for a fund set up for Cardinal Pell.

Mr Roskam said he had received inquiries from Pell supporters across Australia.

"The point of this (fund) is that there are a lot of people who want to support the cardinal and want to give him the opportunity to clear his name," he told News Corp.

Cardinal Pell is due to appear in the Melbourne Magistrates Court on July 26, after Victoria Police charged him with a number of offences relating to alleged historical sexual abuse.

On Thursday, the 76-year-old said he was looking forward to having his day in court after a two-year investigation, "leaks to the media" and "relentless character assassination".

He said the laying of charges had strengthened his resolve to prove his innocence.

Mr Richter, who has defended Melbourne underworld-linked figure Mick Gatto and other notable clients, told News Corp on Friday that he was expecting the cardinal to be in court on July 26.

"As I understand it, the cardinal will be there for the filing hearing," he said.

Cardinal Pell said he was discussing with lawyers and doctors about how and when he would return to Australia from Rome, where as Vatican treasurer he is considered the third most powerful person in the Catholic Church.

Doctors have previously advised the Cardinal against long-haul flights because of a heart condition.

Pope Francis has granted him a leave of absence to return to Australia to defend himself.

Cardinal Pell hopes to return to his job in Rome, but court proceedings involving multiple complainants could stretch into 2019.

Australian Catholic authorities have ruled out paying the cardinal's legal fees.