As Cardinal George Pell walked out of a Melbourne County Court on Tuesday he was confronted with shouts of "burn in hell, Pell" and "you're a monster".
Amidst the anger towards the highest-ranked Catholic clergyman convicted of sexual abuse charges were also thoughts towards all victims of child sexual abuse.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said, "Like most Australians, I am deeply shocked at the crimes of which George Pell has been convicted.
"I respect the fact that this case is under appeal, but it is the victims and their families I am thinking of today, and all who have suffered from sexual abuse by those they should have been able to trust, but couldn't."
Labor leader Bill Shorten echoed the sentiments.
"I feel for everyone who has been a victim of clerical assault and abuse," he said.
"This must bring back some very difficult memories... the Royal Commission revealed shocking abuses.
"It should never have happened, it's a gross betrayal of trust."
Minister for Families and Social Services Paul Fletcher told SBS News, "the news that someone of George Pell's seniority within the Catholic Church has been convicted of these crimes is deeply disturbing."
He said while "nothing will ever make things right for those victims and survivors of institutional child sexual abuse ... the National Redress Scheme is intended to go some way towards acknowledging their suffering and providing support moving forward".
Australia's most senior Catholic, Cardinal George Pell, has been convicted of sexually abusing two choirboys in 1996. Source: AAP
Senator Derryn Hinch welcomed the verdict and called Pell a "hypocrite".
"Here's a man who was opposing [sexual abuse investigations into the Catholic Church] and he was a predator himself," Senator Hinch told SBS News.
"There is no end to this man's arrogance," he said, adding he hoped the government would move quickly to remove Pell's Companion of the Order of Australia.
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said she was "absolutely shocked and disgusted by the details I've read today".
"I think everybody would feel the same. There are no words to describe how horrible those incidents were."
Deputy Labor Leader Tanya Plibersek said "it is truly wonderful to live in a country where no one is above the law, where any person can seek access to justice and to see that justice is done".
Australian Catholics respond
Brisbane Archbishop Mark Coleridge, who spoke at the Vatican Summit on child sexual abuse released on behalf of the Australian Catholic Bishop's Conference.
"The news of Cardinal George Pell's conviction on historical child sexual abuse charges has shocked many across Australia and around the world, including the Catholic Bishops of Australia," the statement said.
"We pray for all those who have been abused and their loved ones, and we commit ourselves anew to doing everything possible to ensure that the Church is a safe place for all, especially the young and the vulnerable."
While Francis Sullivan, the former CEO of the Truth, Justice and Healing Council, the body that coordinated the Australian Catholic Church's response to child sexual abuse said the "institution has been brought to its knees".
"It has lost its credibility, frankly. It is still struggling to come to terms with that," Mr Sullivan said.
Honours stripped
Also Tuesday, Pell was also stripped of an honorary position at Richmond Football Club. It was a largely symbolic role which he has held since 1997.
"While acknowledging his right to appeal, the club has formed a view that his association is no longer tenable or appropriate," the Richmond Football Club said in a statement.
Pell's relationship with the club stretches back to 1959 when he signed as a ruckman, playing for the reserves side before entering the priesthood. He went on to become archbishop of Melbourne and Sydney before joining the Vatican.
Meanwhile, St Patrick's College in Ballarat has removed Pell's name off a building which had been named in his honour.
Pell attended the boarding school from 1949 to 1959 and was later inducted a 'legend of the school'.
Headmaster John Crowley acknowledged Cardinal Pell may appeal the verdict, but said the college must respond to the jury's findings as they currently stand.
"The jury's verdict demonstrates that Cardinal Pell's behaviours have not met the standards we expect of those we honour as role models for the young men we educate," Mr Crowley said.
Details of the case
On Tuesday, it was revealed that Australia's highest-ranking Catholic had sexually assaulted a choir boy in the 1990s and molested another.
The victims were 13-year-old boys on scholarships to the prestigious St Kevin's College.
That verdict in the case was made public after months of procedural secrecy, and the abandonment of a second trial over allegations Pell indecently assaulted boys in Ballarat in the 1970s.
The pair "nicked off" after a Sunday solemn mass in late 1996 and were caught swigging sacramental wine in the priest's sacristy by Pell, newly installed as Archbishop of Melbourne.
Pell scolded them, exposed his penis from beneath the ornate ceremonial robes, and molested them.
Pope Francis has been widely criticised for being long on talk and low on change. Source: AAP
A Melbourne jury in December found Pell guilty of five charges - one of sexually penetrating a child and four of committing indecent acts with children.
Pell has maintained his innocence over all allegations and has lodged an appeal of his conviction.
Those seeking information or support relating to child sexual assault can contact on 1800 272 831 or on 1300 657 380. is available 24 hours a day on 13 11 14.
- With AAP
