The action "is not intended to convey an indication or presumption of guilt," Archbishop Hebda said.

The cardinal is the most senior churchman yet to be convicted of historical sexual offenses. His conviction is a grave blow not only to the church in Australia but also to Pope Francis.

Pope Francis has terminated the services of three cardinals who for the past five years were members of his council of nine cardinal advisors.

The Archdiocese of Los Angeles on Thursday updated its tally of accused priests for the first time in a decade.

Jesuits West, which covers 10 western states, said its internal investigation found credible allegations against 111 priests, brothers or priests in training who were connected to it dating back to 1950.

The scandal at the Institute of the Good Samaritan was revealed publicly in an investigative report by Chilean national television earlier this year.