Today's filing hearing is expected to attract worldwide media attention.
It is an administrative hearing to set the next dates in the court process and may last less than five minutes.
As Pell was charged on summons, he could have asked to be excused from appearing in person and have his lawyer represent him. But he has decided to make the trip to Melbourne from Sydney, where he will be based during the legal process.
No special arrangements have been made for Pell's appearance despite the case's high profile.
The court will operate on a "business as usual" basis, with Pell expected to line up and clear security screening as he enters court.
Such is the level of international interest in the case that many journalists, abuse survivors and members of the public are likely to miss out on being in the small courtroom allocated for filing hearings.
Victims' advocate Leonie Sheedy is worried the intense media coverage may trigger traumatic memories for abuse survivors.
"We urge all care leavers to take care of themselves this week and turn off news reports or media coverage of the case if they find it too upsetting," Ms Sheedy said.
The former Sydney and Melbourne archbishop and Ballarat priest's matter is expected to come before a magistrate at 10am (midday NZT).
