'Lack of judgement': Albanese unhappy with Howard's Pell character reference

UPDATE: On 7 April 2020, the High Court overturned Cardinal George Pell's conviction for historic child sex offences and acquitted him of the charges. The High Court unanimously found Victoria's Court of Appeal should not have upheld Pell's conviction and that the evidence could not support a guilty verdict.  

Former Prime Minister John Howard's reference for convicted child sex offender George Pell shows a lack of judgement, Labor frontbencher Anthony Albanese has said.

Mr Howard spoke glowingly of Pell in a letter submitted to court after he was found guilty of child sex offences.

Speaking to Today this morning, Mr Albanese was critical of the former prime minister's decision.

"John Howard's letter made no reference at all to what had occurred, and it also suggested his view of George Pell had not been changed," he said.

"It does show a lack of judgement."

Coalition frontbencher Christopher Pyne said it was "not abnormal" for politicians to write character references for criminals.

"(Mr Howard and Pell) are personal friends ," he told Today.

"Whether it was a good idea is really a matter for them to answer, not me to answer."

Mr Pyne noted that he himself has known Pell for 20 years.

Mr Albanese, a Catholic, had strong words for the Vatican and the Australian Catholic church.

"They needed to stop dragging their feet, stop trying to minimise compensation and actually look after the victims of this abuse," he said.

"Surely it's time."

Pell is awaiting sentencing for several serious sexual offences against children.

He has maintained his innocence and is appealing his conviction.