Catholic Cardinal George Pell has used his Christmas message to apologise to those who have been sexually abused by Christians.

Cardinal Pell says he is shocked and ashamed by the abuse suffered at the hands of priests and teachers.

He says it goes against the teachings of Jesus and Christians need faith in God's goodness and love to cope with these disasters.

The Archbishop of Sydney says where there is evil, there is less peace.

"My heart and the heart of all believers, of all people, will go out to all those who cannot find peace at this time, especially those who have suffered at the hands of fellow Christians, Christian officials, priests, religious, teachers," he said.

"I am deeply sorry this has happened.

"We need our faith in God's goodness and love to cope with these disasters, to help those who have been hurt.

"We need the hope that comes to us from Christ's birth with his call to conversion, to sorrow for sins and the necessity of reparation."

Wayne Chamley, a spokesman for victims support group Broken Rites, has welcomed the apology.

"It's pleasing that he's opening up his heart to these people," he told the ABC.

"They seem to now appreciate the scale of it.

"I don't think we've seen a statement in the past which was reflecting on the scale of what's gone on."

Sorry, this video has expired Broken Rites welcomes 'major change' from Cardinal Pell ( Joe O'Brien )

Anglican Archbishop of Sydney Dr Peter Jensen has used his Christmas message to remind Australians of the importance of reconciling with Indigenous people.

He says reconciliation is an important theme of Christmas because it is the time to seek forgiveness from God.

"Notably we need to be reconciled with each other, not least, we more recent immigrant settlers, with our Indigenous first people," he said.

"Reconciliation has to flow out of love. The bible says we should love our neighbours and that means seeking to live in peace with them and to fix up quarrels."

Dr Jensen also says Australians should keep in mind the line from Hark The Herald Angels Sing that says "God and sinners reconciled".

"Love unites us, hatred separates us. Reconciliation depends on justice being done," he said.

"Sometimes we need to make good the fault, pay back, apologise, mend. Sometimes justice means that we take the hurt on ourselves."

Leaders' wishes

Sorry, this video has expired Julia Gillard wishes Australia a merry Christmas

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister and the Opposition Leader have both made special mention of Australian troops serving overseas in their annual Christmas messages.

Julia Gillard paid tribute to everyone who will be working this Christmas.

"Thanks to the police, the firefighters, the ambulance officers and the nurses. The churches, charities and volunteers," she said.

She says she will be thinking of people who had relatives that died recently, including her own father, and thanked troops serving overseas.

"I will be thinking of him and my fellow Australians who will be without a loved one for the first time this year," she said.

"I will be especially thinking of our military families who have lost a loved one. Your nation pays tribute to their service and your sacrifice."

Tony Abbott was joined by his wife Margie for his message.

"All of us as Australians have much to be grateful for; we're an open, decent and generous people," he said.

"So much of our fortune is due to the sacrifice of others, so this Christmas I pay particular tribute to the Australian troops currently serving abroad and their families at home.

"From our family to you, Margie and I wish you a happy Christmas.

"May it be enjoyable, peaceful and a safe time for everyone."

Both leaders are spending Christmas with their families.