Cardinal George Pell taking a break in Asia before coming home to face historical sex charges, 9 News (July 8, 2017)

Cardinal George Pell taking a break in Asia before coming home to face historical sex charges

Cardinal George Pell has been spotted taking a break in Asia before returning to Australia to face historical sexual abuse charges.

In exclusive video obtained by 9NEWS, Cardinal Pell was seen sitting with a friend outside an ice cream shop in Singapore earlier today.

Cardinal Pell, 76, 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.

This is his first appearance outside of Rome since police laid the charges. It is unclear when he will travel the final leg to Melbourne.

Last 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”.

"I'm looking forward finally for having my day in court. I'm innocent of these charges, they are false. The whole idea of sexual abuse is abhorrent to me,” he said at the Vatican.

"I have kept Pope Francis the Holy Father regularly informed during these long months and I have spoken to him on a number of occasions in the last week, I think most recently a day or so ago.

"We talked about my need to take leave to clear my name, I'm very grateful to the Holy Father for giving me this leave to return to Australia.

"I've spoken to my lawyers about when this will be necessary and I've spoken to my doctors about the best way to achieve this.

"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."

Vatican spokesman said the Secretariat for the Economy will continue its work during Cardinal Pell's absence.