It was a service that adhered to the traditions of a Catholic Mass; the burning of incense, choral recitals backed by pipe organ, hymns, prayers and even a baby's baptism.

Outside the cathedral, however, about 30 gay activists chanted, "George Pell - Go to Hell".

The group calling itself QUEER - Queers United to Eradicate Economic Rationalism - criticised the church for homophobia and contributing to the rate of gay youth suicide.

The group laid down outside the church's forecourt gates in mock death.

"We're here today because over many, many years George Pell and the official rhetoric coming from the Catholic church condemns homosexuals as invalid human beings," said the group's spokesman, Jonathan Wilkinson.

Archbishop Pell chose the traditional Easter message, speaking about the significance of the resurrection of Jesus.

"Christ's triumphant return in the resurrection dominates our imagination at Easter time," he said. "Only one man has risen from the dead to a new level of existence.

"It is the resurrection which puts the seal on our Lord's claims about himself, authenticates his moral teachings.

"To everyone, without exception, Christians wish Easter peace."

After the service, parishioners filed out into the bright autumn sunshine to encounter the activists.

The protest was in full view and earshot of Archbishop Pell, who was standing on the steps of the church shaking hands with parishioners as they left.

Archbishop Pell ignored the chants, loud hailers and the throng of journalists, photographers and cameramen.

Said Mr Wilkinson: "A significant number of suicides by gay and lesbian people are due to a non-reconciliation of sexuality, with the kind of religious beliefs, ... discriminatory social values and ... the awful rhetoric that discriminates against people for no other reason than their sexual orientation that is spewed forth by the kind of people like George Pell and the Catholic church. It's about time it stopped.

"We want all Christians, including George Pell, to acknowledge that homosexuality is legitimate, it's real, and it's here to stay," he said.

A church spokeswoman, Jean Cornish, said, "There will be no statement."

The church had been expecting the protest, and had hired security guards to secure the gates to the church's forecourt.

Two police officers stood on the forecourt, watching for any flare-ups between parishioners and protesters.

Men in dark suits wearing earpieces stood watching inside the church for the duration of the service.