The Holy See had already suggested it was considering putting Marcello di Finizio before a judge but has now confirmed a trial will go ahead on February 7.
The man lowered himself to a ledge above the balcony where Pope Francis was due to give his Christmas message at the end of December.
On the previous four occasions the Vatican decided not to prosecute di Finizio but now the Church has said he will face a trial for defaming and defacing a place of worship and resisting public security.
He blames the government for the loss of his beach hut in the city of Trieste.
Vatican authorities have freed him on bail.