The guilty verdict was handed down in December 2018, yet a suppression order meant Australian publishers could not report on the court proceedings.

That was until February when the judge lifted the suppression order.

Despite many knowing this had happened, the conviction still sent a shock wave around the nation and the world.

Even though you could have read about the guilty verdict in the New York Times or the like while the non-publication order was in effect Down Under.

Pell has been guilty of the crimes that have plagued the church for many years.

He was an influential man in Australia and the Vatican.

You only need to read the responses from his friends to know that he had an influence on key leaders and influences in Australian politics.

Former Prime Minister John Howard wrote a character reference for the court.

Another former PM, Tony Abbott, was quoted as saying while it was a "horrible crime", it was still subject to appeal.

"But as I also said, I also have faith in our justice system. Yes, he has been convicted, he had been found guilty. And as the Prime Minister said yesterday, no-one is above the law … let's wait and see what the law ultimately produces because that's what we'll know once this thing has gone to an appeal," he said.

Pell has the legal right to appeal. However, based on the evidence presented in court the jurors believed he was guilty of abusing two boys while in a position of power within the church.

Even before this conviction, the church was in trouble following damning story after damning story of child abuse at the hands of church leaders.

Pell is another reason for Catholics to question their faith and connection to the church. The conviction hurts more than two boys and thousands of others who have been abused by the institution around the world. The conviction hurts the future of the church.