Australia's Catholic bishops acknowledged Cardinal Pell's acquittal would be devastating for many child sexual abuse survivors amid continued anger at the church's failure to protect children.

Sydney Archbishop Anthony Fisher said the unanimous High Court decision confirmed Cardinal Pell's conviction was wrong.

"I ask that the pursuit of him that brought us to this point now cease," Archbishop Fisher said.

He said the case amounted to a trial of not only Cardinal Pell but of Australia's legal system and culture.

"The cardinal's vindication today invites broader reflection on our system of justice, our commitment to the presumption of innocence, and our treatment of high-profile figures accused of crimes."

Archbishop Fisher said some people would struggle with the ruling, which may reopen survivors' wounds.

"But justice for victims is never served by the wrongful conviction and imprisonment of anyone," he said.

Melbourne Archbishop Peter Comensoli said his immediate reaction to the High Court decision was relief for Cardinal Pell and concern for the accuser known as 'J', who had wanted his story heard.

The archbishop again said he believed Cardinal Pell, who had steadfastly maintained his innocence.

"My own sense was that I had an understanding of the man and my knowledge of him - when he said he was innocent, I accepted that," Archbishop Comensoli said.

"This decision means the cardinal was wrongly convicted and imprisoned, and he is now free to live his life peacefully within the community."

While Cardinal Pell said his trial was not a referendum on how Australian church authorities dealt with the crime of pedophilia, bishops acknowledged the wider symbolism of the case.

"I fully appreciate that people have seen in this case another emblematic story of sexual abuse by a Catholic priest. And it has brought a deeper weariness of soul to people of faith," Archbishop Comensoli said.

Archbishop Fisher said the church's past failure to protect children had contributed to the public anger against it and its leaders.

Victorian parish priest Andrew Hayes said he did not share the relief felt by Cardinal Pell and churchgoers who felt vindicated.

"My concern is less about what happens to Catholic clergy in the courts and more with what happens for the thousands of people we broke," the Ararat and Stawell priest wrote on Facebook.

"We broke them because we thought that illegal rape was only immoral.

"We broke them because we were immature in so many ways, and then were vested with a dysfunctionally isolated authority."

Australian Catholic Bishops Conference president and Brisbane Archbishop Mark Coleridge said many people would welcome the court outcome, including those who believed in Cardinal Pell's innocence.

"We also recognise that the High Court's decision will be devastating for others," Archbishop Coleridge said.

"Many have suffered greatly through the process, which has now reached its conclusion."

Archbishop Coleridge said the court result did not change the church's commitment to child safety and "a just and compassionate response" to abuse survivors.

Ballarat Bishop Paul Bird said the case had divided opinions in legal circles and the general community, particularly in his diocese because of Cardinal Pell's early connections there.

"Now that the highest court in the land has given a judgement, I hope this will bring some sense of resolution to all those affected by the proceedings," he said.

Australian Associated Press