Ballarat clergy abuse victims say they know of no survivors who have come out better from a meeting with Cardinal George Pell.
Cardinal Pell has offered to "meet with and listen to victims and express his ongoing support" after giving evidence at the child abuse royal commission via videolink in Rome.
The statement from the cardinal's office on Thursday says he has always helped victims, listened to them and considered himself their ally.
David Ridsdale, a member of the Ballarat Child Abuse Survivors group that wants to go to Rome to hear the evidence, says a meeting with the cardinal would be pleasant.
But he said he knew no survivor who had labelled any dealing with Cardinal Pell or the Church-instigated Melbourne Response "a positive experience".
"I've yet to meet one," Mr Ridsdale told AAP on Thursday.
"So that sounds to me like Cardinal Pell is blowing his own trumpet ... He chooses to ignore the fact people keep saying the (Church's) responses were inadequate."
Fellow survivor Stephen Woods said it was more important Cardinal Pell was truthful and open in giving evidence at the commission than any gathering afterwards.
Related reading:
'Come home': Minchin pens song about Cardinal Pell
The commission has agreed to allow Cardinal Pell to give evidence from Rome on health grounds but is still making enquires about a suitable venue.
"It is ultimately a matter for the royal commission to determine the precise arrangements for the provision of evidence by the cardinal in Rome," Cardinal Pell's office said.
Mr Ridsdale said that was "patently not true" as the commission has no jurisdiction in Italy or the Vatican.
If a public venue is found, a crowdfunding campaign will fund for a group of 15 to attend the cardinal's testimony due to begin February 29.
Related reading:
Abuse victims set to go to Rome for Pell evidence
The fund, which tipped over the $180,000 mark on Thursday afternoon, was significantly boosted by a charity single by comedy musician Tim Minchin.
The cardinal's office says he's "anxious to present the facts without further delays".
Three days have been set aside for Cardinal Pell's third royal commission appearance.
It will focus on the Catholic Church's handling of widespread abuse over decades in the Ballarat diocese and Melbourne archdiocese.
