Abuse victim David Ridsdale has spoken to reporters in Rome following Cardinal Pell's testimony:

"Compared to previous times we would have to acknowledge that it’s a more conciliatory tone," Mr Ridsdale said.

"We would have to acknowledge that there were some statements said that were certainly more constructive than previously. But saying that there was a very careful selection of words, a careful manner in which it was discussed.

"Issues such as kissing boys as being eccentric strikes us as more than eccentric, creepy at the very least.