Cardinal George Pell is facing fresh demands to return to Australia to front the child abuse royal commission.
Peter Saunders, who was hand-picked by the Pope six months ago to be the Catholic Church's commissioner for the protection of children, says Cardinal Pell has a moral obligation to face the commission.
Child protection advocate Hetty Johnston has echoed the call, saying the church must order the cardinal home to give evidence, even if it is only to clear his name.
Cardinal Pell, incensed over Mr Saunders' allegations about his conduct in an interview with the Nine Network's 60 Minutes, has issued a statement saying he is seeking legal advice over what he calls false and misleading claims.
"The Cardinal is left no alternative but to consult with his legal advisers," a statement issued on behalf of Cardinal Pell said.
Cardinal Pell has repeatedly denied claims he tried to bribe an abuse victim to keep quiet and he was dismissive of and dealt heartlessly with victims and their families.
But Mr Saunders told 60 Minutes the cardinal's position in the church had become untenable "because he now has a catalogue of denials".
"Given the position of George Pell as a cardinal of the church and a position of huge authority within the Vatican, I think he is a massive, massive thorn in the side of Pope Francis's papacy if he's allowed to remain," he said.
The statement issued on behalf of Cardinal Pell said he had always taken a strong stand against child sex abuse and had put in place processes to ensure complaints could be brought forward and independently investigated.
"Cardinal Pell has never met Mr Saunders, who seems to have formed his strong opinions without ever having spoken to His Eminence," it said.
Cardinal Pell has promised full co-operation with the royal commission and has said he will attend hearings if asked to do so.
Ms Johnston said Cardinal Pell must return to front the commission in person and fully answer allegations that abuse cases were mishandled in the past.
"There is an obligation (that) if a child has been harmed, you have to report that to police or authorities. That's what the allegations are against Mr Pell. So, he needs to face them in person," she said.
