Paul Levey was sent to live with Ridsdale at the Mortlake presbytery when he was 14.

His life quickly became a living hell as he was subject to daily sexual abuse by the former priest.

Mr Levey has launched a petition, which has been signed by almost 50,000 people, calling for Cardinal Pell to be removed from the priesthood.

READ MORE: Pell knew about child sexual abuse in 1970s

He said he was disgusted to learn Cardinal Pell knew about allegations of sexual abuse about Ridsdale and still allowed him to have a young boy live with him.

"Pell allowed Gerald Ridsdale and others to continue to abuse children in their care for decades by simply moving them around to continue abusing," Mr Levey said.

"Why would he let a child live with him at the presbytery?"

Mr Levey said he wanted Cardinal Pell to defrocked or for him to resign.

"Please, help me get Pell removed from the protection of the Catholic church in Australia and Rome," he said.

Mr Levey said he had been stunned by the overwhelming response to his petition.

"The Pope needs to set an example - showing child abuse and the cover-up of child abuse is not acceptable and will be dealt with by the law of the land, not your cannon law."

Mr Levey encouraged people to sign the petition, which has been posted on change.org

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