The father of one of the boys molested by Cardinal George Pell will sue the cardinal or Catholic Church following the death of his son.

The boy was a 13-year-old chorister when he was molested by Pell at Melbourne's St Patrick's Cathedral in 1996 following Sunday solemn mass.

The boy never told his parents about the abuse, but died in 2014 of a heroin overdose when he was aged 30.

Cardinal George Pell leaves the County Court in Melbourne today a convicted sex offender. He plans to appeal. (AAP)

Now, given the guilty verdict - made public today following the lifting of court gag orders - the boy's father says Pell "has blood on his hands".

Shine Lawyers' head of specialist personal injury, Lisa Flynn, told said she believed the boy had been diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression following the sex attack.

She said the boy turned to drug use when he was 14 and his father only learnt of Pell's abuse "some time" after his death.

"We believe his death is directly linked to those conditions that he suffered as a result of the abuse," Ms Flynn said.

"(He) suffered such extreme depression that he overdosed on drugs to numb his severe PTSD as a result of his pain.

"His father will allege that Pell has blood on his hands."

Ms Flynn said the Catholic Church or Pell individually could be pursued in civil action.

"So far we've been instructed to investigate a potential claim. It could be either or both of those that would be named as defendants," she says.

Ms Flynn said the law firm was waiting for Pell's criminal matters to be finalised before filing a civil claim.

Pell emerged from court today to a frenzied melee of armed police and news cameras as a paedophile after his conviction for abusing two choirboys was revealed to the public.

"Burn in hell Pell" yelled one man in the crowd as the 77-year-old made his way to a waiting gold Mercedes-Benz after being found guilty of offences which will rock the Catholic Church.

Cries of "You're a disgrace", "You're an absolute pig" and "You're an absolute freak" followed him from the County Court in Melbourne after a suppression order was lifted.

With that ruling - a result of prosecutors abandoning a second trial over allegations Pell indecently assaulted boys in Ballarat in the 1970s - he becomes a convicted sex offender.

Ailing Pell, who arrived at court with a walking stick after a recent double-knee replacement, maintains his innocence and will be appealing the conviction.

Pell was the newly appointed Archbishop of Melbourne and had just given mass one Sunday in 1996 when he pounced on two 13-year-old boys who he found helping themselves to wine in the sacristy in St Patrick's Cathedral in Melbourne.

The two Year Seven pupils had broken off from the procession out of the church and sneaked into the off-limits area.

Cardinal George Pell arrives at court with a walking stick today, when details of his December conviction could finally be revealed after a suppression order was lifted. (AP/AAP)

Prosecutors claimed during the unreported, month-long trial Pell then berated the boys before proceeding to shuffle his robes and expose his penis.

Over the next six minutes, both boys were violated, as one pleaded with Archbishop Pell to stop.

A jury of 12 found the cardinal guilty in December of four counts of performing an indecent act with a child under 16 and one count of sexual penetration of a child under the age of 16.

When interviewed by police in Rome three years ago, Pell described the claims as a "product of fantasy" and "absolute rubbish".

Cardinal George Pell, captured by a sketch artist during his trial, none of which could be reported because of a second trial, which prosecutors have now abandoned. (AAP)

Pell’s defence lawyer, Robert Richter, didn't downplay the severity of the charges saying “the trial here is of the most senior Catholic cleric charged”.

READ MORE: How the case was argued out in court

“Let's call a spade a spade….orally raping a child of 13,” he told the court. Pell's defence rested on the idea that the story was not only practically impossible, but went as far to say it was “also laughable.”

His right-hand man Monsignor Charles Portelli gave evidence about church protocol claiming if Pell was wearing robes, he would always have been accompanied.

Cardinal George Pell with Pope Francis, for whom he acted as treasurer at the Vatican until he returned to Australia to answer these charges.

TESTIFIED IN SECRET

One of the victims died in 2014 without ever revealing his abuse meaning the prosecution case relied solely on the evidence of the surviving victim.

There were no other witnesses to the crimes and the surviving victim, now aged in his 30s, testified behind closed doors during the trial.

He said he didn't come forward sooner because he thought no one would believe him.

A protester is seen outside the County Court of Victoria in Melbourne today. (AAP)

The disgraced cardinal is due to return to the County Court for a plea hearing on Wednesday ahead of sentencing in March, pending developments in the appeal process.

The Vatican's No.3 and a trusted adviser to Pope Francis, Pell is the most senior Catholic in the world to be found guilty of child sex offences.

He stood down from his position as Vatican treasurer to fight the charges and his membership of the Group of Nine Cardinals was suspended by the Pontiff in December.

The reaction to Pell’s guilty verdict has been strongly felt.



"Like most Australians, I am deeply shocked at the crimes of which George Pell has been convicted," Prime Minister Scott Morrison said.

"I respect the fact that this case is under appeal, but it is the victims and their families I am thinking of today, and all who have suffered from sexual abuse by those they should have been able to trust, but couldn’t.

Their prolonged pain and suffering will not have ended today.

While due process continues, our justice system has affirmed no Australian is above the law.

"As a country, we must continue to do everything possible to stamp out child sexual abuse in all of its forms, wherever it takes place."



Meanwhile, a surviving victim said: “At some point, we realise that we trusted someone we should have feared and we fear those genuine relationships that we should trust."

"My thoughts are with the victims - their pain is a tragedy, their bravery an inspiration. They've been betrayed and so have good people of faith across Victoria,” Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said today.

“Finally, the good news is that now George Pell's decades of predatory behaviour is out there for all to see,” Senator Derryn Hinch said.

'DRAMATIC TURN OF EVENTS'

Until now, there have been heavy suppression orders on what the media have been allowed to report on Cardinal Pell’s trial.

However, this was turned on its head today when a second Pell trial slated to involve more victims was suddenly dropped by prosecutors.

“That was a trigger, we didn't need to protect a second jury. There isn't going to be a second jury,” media lawyer Justin Quill explained to Nine News.

Cardinal George Pell, pictured in March 2014 arriving at the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse in Sydney. (AAP)

While the judge appeared to be inclined to continue to suppression order to give Cardinal Pell’s legal team time to prepare an appeal, it appeared as if Australia’s highest ranking Catholic threw in the towel in regards to the suppression order, Mr Quill said.

“Cardinal Pell went into a private room with Robert Richter, his lawyer, and came back out five minutes later and Robert Richter told the court that they were withdrawing their application for the suppression order, that is effectively we could report the guilty finding.

"It was a dramatic turn of events.”

'VICTIMS AREN'T HEARD'

Ingrid Irwin is the lawyer who was representing three alleged George Pell victims as part of the second case which was dropped today.

Ms Irwin said she was “devastated” by the news that prosecutors had decided to abandon the case.

“It remains a mystery and it is completely up to the OPP (Office of Public Prosecutions) what they drop and what they don't … they sort of have complete unfettered prosecutorial discretion.

Child abuse survivors who travelled to meet Cardinal Pell in Rome in March 2016 (from left to right) Paul Levy, Andrew Collins, Peter Blenkiron, David Risdale and Paul Auchetti (back ground) with Deputy Mayor of Ballarat Belinda Coates after travelling to Rome to meet with Cardinal George Pell arrive back at the International airport in Melbourne, Sunday, March 6, 2016. (AAP Image/Mal Fairclough) NO ARCHIVING (AAP)

“I feel really so terrible for not just my clients … but all complainants, because it shows the real problem we have in the criminal justice system, that victims aren't heard in the courtroom.”

The welfare of her clients, who came forward to accuse Cardinal Pell of abuse was now a concern, she said.

“After you have invested five or six years of your life and been brave and come forward and taken everything which comes with that - which is family fracture, friends drop you, you know, you are looked at as, "Oh, that person who was sexually assaulted." To now have nothing and no recourse is just devastating.”

A VICTIM'S STATEMENT

"Like many survivors I have experienced shame, loneliness, depression and struggle.

"Like many survivors, it has taken me years to understand the impact upon my life.

"At some point, we realise that we trusted someone we should have feared and we fear those genuine relationships that we should trust.

"I would like to thank my family near and far for their support of me, and of each other.

"I am a witness in a case brought by the state of Victoria. I have put my trust in the police and the criminal justice system.

"The process has been stressful and it is not over yet.

"I need space and time to cope with the ongoing criminal process.

"I understand this is a big news story, but please don't reveal my identity.

"I ask that the media respect my privacy.

"I want to protect my young family and my parents.

"I am not a spokesperson about child sexual abuse.

"I am just a regular guy working to support and protect my family as best I can."

'SURPRISED AND SHAKEN'

Melbourne's Archbishop says he is "surprised and shaken" by Pell's conviction.

"While acknowledging the judgment of the jury, I join many people who have been surprised and shaken by the outcome," Archbishop Peter Comensoli said.

"I fully respect the ongoing judicial process, noting that Cardinal Pell continues to protest his innocence. An appeal against the verdict has been lodged. It is important that we now await the outcome of this appeal, respectful of the ongoing legal proceedings."

Archbishop of Melbourne, Peter Comensoli, said he would renew his commitment to ensure victims of abuse received justice and healing. (AAP)

Archbishop Comensoli said his thoughts and prayers were with all victims who had been abused by clergy, religious and lay people in the Archdiocese of Melbourne.

"I renew my personal commitment to do all I can to ensure victims of such abuse in Melbourne receive justice and healing," he said.

"I also acknowledge all in the Catholic Church who are walking with survivors and communities harmed by the scourge of abuse, and who are committed to building a culture of safety for our children and vulnerable people.

"At this time, may I assure you that I keep all involved in my prayer."

NAME REMOVED IN SHAME

Cardinal George Pell’s name will be removed from a school building named in his honour in Western Victoria.

St Patrick’s College in Ballarat has announced the sign will be taken down this afternoon.

“In addition the College will revoke his status as an inducted Legend of the school and a line will be struck through his name on a College honour board listing ordained former students,” SPC said in a statement.

Pell attended the school from 1949-50, with the now re-negged honours given to him to recognise his years of service to the Catholic Church.

Headmaster John Crowley said while Pell may appeal the verdict, the College must respond to the jury’s findings.

“The College also remains ever mindful of the victims and survivors who require our ongoing care, solidarity and support,” Mr Crowley said.

The building which was formerly known as the Pell Wing, will be renamed the Waterford Wing, recognising the home of the Blessed Edmund Rice.

PELL'S STATEMENT IN FULL

Cardinal George Pell has always maintained his innocence and continues to do so.

An appeal has been lodged against his conviction and he will await the outcome of the appeal process.

Although originally the Cardinal faced allegations from a number of complainants, all charges except for those the subject of the appeal have now been either withdrawn, discharged or discontinued.

He will not be commenting in the meantime.

PELL'S RISE TO THE VATICAN

Born: June 8, 1941

EDUCATION

Corpus Christi College, Werribee & Propaganda Fide College, Rome; Licentiate in Theology, Urban University Rome, 1967; PhD in Church History, Oxford University, 1971; Masters of Education, Monash University, 1982.

CHURCH APPOINTMENTS

Ordained a Catholic Priest, St Peter's Basilica, Rome, 1966

Assistant Parish Priest, Swan Hill, 1971-72

Assistant Parish Priest, Ballarat East, 1973-1983

Parish Priest of Mentone, 1987-96

Auxiliary Bishop for Archdiocese of Melbourne, 1987-96

Metropolitan Archbishop of Melbourne, 1996-2001

Metropolitan Archbishop of Sydney, 2001-04

George Pell, pictured while Archbishop of Sydney, in 2011. (AAP)

Cardinal Priest of the Church of Santa Maria Domenica Mazzarello, Rome, 2003-present

Prefect, Secretariat of the Economy, Vatican City, 2014-present (indefinite leave).

SIGNIFICANT ROLES

Member, Group of Nine Cardinals (suspended by Pope Francis in December 2018)

Established the Melbourne Response, to victims of sexual abuse by priests, religious and lay people within the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne, 1996

Awarded the Companion of the Order of Australia in 2005 "for services to the Catholic Church in Australia and internationally"

Awarded the Centenary Medal in 2003 for services to Australia

Founding member, Catholic Education Commission, 1973-84

Foundation Pro-Chancellor, Australian Catholic University, 1991-1995

President, Australian Catholic University Board of Owners, 1996-2014

Ruckman, Richmond Football Club AFL, 1959

Vice Patron, Richmond Football Club, 1997-present.