Pell has right to defend himself: Vatican

A Vatican spokesman says the "painful" news of Cardinal George Pell's conviction for molesting choirboys in Australia has shocked many people, but adds that the prelate "has reiterated his innocence and has the right to defend himself" until the last level of justice.

Acting Holy See spokesman Alessandro Gisotti read a statement to reporters Tuesday at the Vatican but didn't take questions.

He said Pope Francis has confirmed "precautionary measures" already taken against Pell, including a ban on his saying Mass in public and "as is the rule, contact in any way or form with minors."

"We reiterate our utmost respect for the Australian judicial authorities. In the name of such respect, we now wait for the outcome of the appeal trial, recalling that Cardinal Pell has reiterated his innocence and has the right to defend himself" until the last appeal, the spokesman said.

Pell is Australia's highest-ranking Catholic and the most senior Catholic cleric ever charged with child sex abuse.