The Archbishop of Sydney has urged the community not to "draw any conclusions" following Cardinal George Pell's conviction for child sexual abuse and says the appeals court needs to be given the time and space to review the case.

Key points: Archbishop Fisher told worshippers and the community not to be "too quick to judge"

Archbishop Fisher told worshippers and the community not to be "too quick to judge" His comments are some of the Catholic Church's first in-depth comments since Pell's conviction

His comments are some of the Catholic Church's first in-depth comments since Pell's conviction Archbishop Fisher said the church needed to emerge from the current crisis "humbler and more compassionate"

In a sermon at Sydney's St Mary's Cathedral on Sunday morning, where he also urged worshippers and the community not to be "too quick to judge", Archbishop Anthony Fisher said the church's readings showed that "things are not always what they seem".

"As the Cardinal's matter is ongoing in the courts I cannot comment on the substance," he said.

"Others have done so and some have raised serious questions for the appellate court to examine.

"If we are too quick to judge, we can end up joining the demonisers or the apologists, those baying for blood, or those in denial.

"Our readings remind us that things are not always what they seem, that we must look beneath the surface, and allow truth and justice to unfold in God's good time."

In some of the Australian Catholic Church's first in-depth comments since Pell's conviction was revealed in Australia on Tuesday, the Archbishop of Sydney, who took over from Pell in 2014 following his move to Rome, said the church needed to emerge from its present trials "purified, humbler and more compassionate".

The Archbishop's comments come after ex-prime minister Tony Abbott, a Catholic, said though it was a "horrible crime" Pell had been found guilty of, the case was subject to appeal.

Former prime minister John Howard provided a character reference for Pell. ( AAP: Sam Mooy )

Mr Abbott also confirmed he called Pell after his conviction, while fellow former prime minister John Howard provided a character reference.

Pell spent his first night in prison in Melbourne on Thursday after a jury found him guilty of sexually abusing two choirboys when he was archbishop of Melbourne in the late 1990s.

He will be sentenced on March 13.

Archbishop Anthony Fisher said the church needed to emerge from the current crisis more humble. ( ABC News )

In a long sermon that touched on the failings of the church and "hypocrites" both inside and out, the Archbishop of Sydney said the Catholic church had a lot to do to recover from this "dark chapter".

He said the church was "absolutely determined" to become a safe place for the young and the vulnerable.

"Many feel disheartened and are uncertain how to go on believing, worshipping, living the Christian gospel," he said.

"Indeed some are not even sure they want to.

"But as some crimes cry out to heaven for vengeance and vindication, so it is to heaven we must look for truth and for repair.

The letter handed out by the Archbishop of Perth after Sunday mass ( ABC News )

"We should not be afraid to place our bewilderment, anger or demoralisation before God.

"We are all shaken by reports about the shameful actions or inactions of church people towards children and vulnerable adults.

"Apart from the terrible harm this does to the victims, who are our first concern, we also know it undermines people's faith and trust.

"Followers of Christ must reverence every human person, especially the most vulnerable; we must welcome the truth however confronting it might be."

Other priests across Sydney and Australia used the first Sunday mass since Pell's conviction was revealed publicly to address the issue, and its ramifications in society and on the church.

In Perth, Archbishop Timothy Costelloe did not speak on Pell's conviction in his sermon but instead handed out a letter to worshipers at the end of mass to not "inflame the situation" or impede upon the legal process.

Editor's note: On Tuesday April 7, 2020, the High Court in a unanimous decision upheld Cardinal Pell's appeal and quashed his convictions on all five charges.

