Pell must face abuse commission: victims

Cardinal George Pell's denials of wrongdoing at the child abuse royal commission are a defence by media release - not testimony - a survivors group says.

Nicky Davis, leader of the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, says Cardinal Pell must appear before the commission to answer claims against him.

Survivors told the commission's Ballarat hearings Cardinal Pell ignored their reports about clergy sex abuse.

"It is vastly inappropriate to respond to sworn evidence by courageous survivors with a media statement that callously dismisses their experience," Ms Davis said on Thursday.

"If Cardinal Pell is at all genuine in his claims to recognise the seriousness of the crime of sexual violation of defenceless children, he would voluntarily return to Australia to give evidence under oath to the royal commission."

Cardinal Pell denied covering up priests' crimes or offering bribes to victims to remain silent, as was alleged at the commission.

"I am committed to complete co-operation with the royal commission. I will address in full all matters it wishes to raise in any statement requested from me before I make any further comment," he said in a statement on Wednesday.