Paul Levey, who was sexually abused by Catholic priest Gerald Ridsdale, launched the petition last week.

He said he was surprised to see so many people had supported the push and it was somewhat heartening for survivors.

"I don't think if we got a million signatures that the church would do anything with Pell but it does show all of us how everyone out there is feeling," he said. "It's a big thing to have (the support) behind us."

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

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

Mr Levey appeared with his mother on channel 10's Studio 10 program on Tuesday and said he hoped the petition would reach 100,000. He said each time he appeared in the media new survivors came forward with their experiences.

"That's what it's all about, if we get one survivor coming forward over this well we've had a win," he said.

People can sign the petition at change.org

For help and support people can contact the South Western Centre Against Sexual Assault on 5564 4144.