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EXCLUSIVE: Cardinal George Pell says despite their theological differences, Pope Francis has always been "very supportive" of him, even during his incarceration.

In an exclusive world-first television interview with Andrew Bolt, Cardinal Pell talks candidly about the numerous charges laid against him, all of which have been dropped or dismissed.

Last week, Cardinal Pell’s conviction was overturned by Australia’s highest court in a unanimous decision, after having spent 405 days in jail following an initial ruling which had found him guilty in 2018.

Cardinal Pell was considered the third most powerful man in the Vatican when he held the position as Prefect of the Secretariat for the Economy - where he said he undertook reform to weed out financial corruption in the church.

He told Sky News Pope Francis 'valued' his honesty.

"He is owed respect, and I think he values my honesty and perhaps that I would say things other people mightn't say," Cardinal Pell said.

"He has been very supportive right through."

Image: AP