A Catholic priest has called on the church to accept Wednesday's court verdict on George Pell, and turn its attention to the victims and the poor.

Key points: Ararat priest Father Andrew Hayes says the Church should accept the court's decision

Ararat priest Father Andrew Hayes says the Church should accept the court's decision He wants the Church to now concentrate on the victims and the poor

He wants the Church to now concentrate on the victims and the poor Supporters of Pell are still encouraging people to pray for the former Cardinal

"Today is another dark day," Father Andrew Hayes told 7.30.

"The church's reputation is in tatters. And it has been since I was a child.

"I don't know that we can sink any lower in terms of reputation in the community, reputation in the country."

Pell lost his appeal against a conviction of sexual abuse against two boys while he was Archbishop of Melbourne.

"I'm really hopeful that today brings some peace, some healing for people," Father Hayes said.

"People are really angry with us, angry with the church. I just hope today brings a bit more resolution for the fellow who was the accuser, and his mate and their families.

"I hope that this brings another step to closure for them."

'Keep calm and carry on praying' for Pell

Bishop Peter Elliott has been a longstanding friend of George Pell. ( ABC News: Simon Winter )

Melbourne Bishop Peter Elliot is backing Pell.

He urged Catholics in Australia to "keep calm, and carry on praying" and refuses to accept the guilt of his long-time friend.

"I don't accept this outcome because I hope it is appealed to a higher court," he told 7.30.

"And all Christians believe there's an ultimate tribunal anyway, in the next world, in eternity.

Bishop Elliott studied with Pell at Oxford more than 50 years ago.

"I believe the George Pell is totally incapable of what he's been accused of, and what he's been convicted for. Totally incapable," he said.

He urged his parishioners to keep up their support of Pell.

"Keep praying for him and, if I could dare to echo [Winston] Churchill's cliche, keep calm and carry on praying," he said.

That is at odds with Father Hayes's view, but he said he would have accepted whatever decision the court handed down on Wednesday.

"I wasn't surprised," Father Hayes said.

"Our justice system is very, very good in Australia and it serves us well.

"All along I've thought that if from today Cardinal Pell is guilty, then I'll accept that he's guilty. And if it had been he was free and let go, I'd have accepted that."

He said it was time for the church to also accept the court's ruling.

"I think for people around the country, they had the church on trial here," Father Hayes said.

"I think there will be some satisfaction for some people that someone in leadership is being severely punished today and for some years."

'We need to be held accountable'

Earlier this year Father Andrew Hayes apologised to his Ararat congregation for the torment the church had inflicted on abuse victims. ( ABC Ballarat: Charlotte King )

Father Hayes said the only way things would change for the church was if it accepted responsibility.

"I represent an organisation that has made a mess of things and broken people over decades," he said.

"It's hurtful. It's embarrassing.

"If [today's decision] brings some peace for people, if that brings some accountability, then that's OK, that's good.

"We need to be held accountable."

Father Hayes keeps a bowl of ribbons in his church in Ararat.

"Each time we have a convicted priest in the media, more ribbons go on the fence at my place," he said.

"I'm OK with that.

"When it runs out we put more in to express that this has been appalling."

He is optimistic about the future of the church, if it remembers what its purpose is.

"I hope that people can see that the church now has moved well beyond status quo defending, and [is] looking for change, looking for healing for poor people," he said.

"The church has been a great light in the world for a lot of our history, so we can be again, it's just working through the darkness that we brought on ourselves."