Archbishop Wilson should resign: leaders

Malcolm Turnbull and Bill Shorten have called for Adelaide Catholic Archbishop Philip Wilson to quit after he was sentenced for concealing child sex abuse within the church.

Wilson, who was found guilty in May of failing to report to police the historical sexual abuse of two altar boys by a pedophile priest, was sentenced to 12 months jail with six months non-parole.

"I am surprised that he has not resigned. Clearly, given the outcome of the case, the lawsuit and prosecution, he should resign," the prime minister told reporters on Kangaroo Island in South Australia on Wednesday.

Mr Shorten said the justice system had unequivocally spoken.

"Mr Wilson's action were inexcusable and his position is untenable," the opposition leader said in a statement.

"Resigning immediately is the very least he can do in this circumstance."