The verdict was handed down in December but could not be reported until Tuesday 26 February due to a suppression order put in place to prevent possible prejudice in a second trial that Pell was facing, concerning the abuse of minors at swimming pool in Ballarat. Due to a lack of evidence, the second trial is no longer going ahead, with a judge ruling that the suppression order should be lifted so that the earlier conviction could now be made public.

A Vatican statement on Tuesday noted the “painful news” of the cardinal’s conviction, and added that it had the “utmost respect for Australian judicial authorities”. Pope Francis, it explained, had authorised that Cardinal Pell be removed from public ministry and contact with minors after his return to Australia to defend himself against the allegations. That would remain the case as the Vatican awaits “the outcome of the appeal process” and a “definitive assessment of the facts”.