Senior Catholic says he will refuse to break the seal of the confessional

Melbourne's most senior Catholic says he will go to jail rather than tell police if someone told him during confession that they had sexually abused a child.

Archbishop-elect Peter Comensoli (left). (AAP Image/Daniel Pockett) Source: AAP

A bill introduced in Victoria's parliament would require religious and spiritual leaders to report child abuse to authorities.

Priests and religious leaders could face up to three years in jail in Victoria if they don't report child abuse allegations.

New laws introduced to state parliament will make it mandatory for religious leaders to report suspicions of physical and sexual abuse of children.

Clergy are already subject to mandatory reporting laws in South Australia and the Northern Territory. 

But the Catholic Church argues priests are obliged to defy such laws and not disclose what they hear during confession. 

The Archbishop of Melbourne Peter Comensoli has told the A-B-C's Jon Faine he's prepared to go to jail rather than break the confessional seal.