Cardinal George Pell is set to stand trial on charges of sexual abuse that go back decades.

The three Chilean victims of abuse have each commented positively on their personal encounters with Pope Francis over the weekend.

Pope Francis' planned meeting with abuse survivors from Chile could mark a turning point in how the Catholic Church deals not just with prevention, but especially with how it responds to accusations.

The pope will first meet each of the victims individually, one or more times, and then as a group.

On May 1, Cardinal George Pell will know whether he has to stand trial to face allegations of historical sexual offenses or not.

"The pope wants to ask their forgiveness, share his pain and shame for what they have suffered and, above all, listen to all suggestions that can be made to avoid the repetition of such reprehensible acts."