Pope will give priority to victims: Pell

AUSTRALIA'S most senior Catholic, George Pell, says he warmly welcomes Pope Francis, saying the new leader will give priority to sexual abuse victims.

Australia's most senior Catholic, Cardinal George Pell

AUSTRALIA'S most senior Catholic, George Pell, says Pope Francis will support national church leaders in the struggle against sexual abuse and give priority to victims.

In a statement issued early on Friday (AEDT), Cardinal Pell said he warmly welcomed Pope Francis and was delighted by his election as the church's new father.

Cardinal Pell describes as "happy omens" the fact the new pope is the first non-European pope since the eighth century, the first Jesuit and the first to take the name Francis.

"These are all happy omens which were reflected in the enthusiasm of the immense crowd of people in St Peter's Square for the announcement of the news," Cardinal Pell said.

He said Pope Francis was a man of "acknowledged piety and proven orthodoxy" who had lived through very difficult times in Argentina and had shown an ability to take hard decisions.

"He will support national hierarchies in the struggle against sexual abuse, giving priority to victims, and one of his first tasks will be to examine the 300-page report on the workings of the Vatican by the three cardinals," he said.

"God has blessed the church and I am sure that all Australian Catholics will continue in their loyalty to the papacy and to the new pope."