MONTREAL, June 30 (UPI) -- A Quebec cardinal known for his outspoken and controversial stand on abortion and other issues has been picked for a top job at the Vatican, the pope said.
Pope Benedict XVI announced Wednesday Quebec Cardinal Marc Ouellet, currently the Roman Catholic Primate of Canada, will head the Congregation for Bishops, the organization responsible for appointing bishop around the world, Canwest News Service reported.
Ouellet touched off a controversy in May when he called abortion an unjustifiable moral crime, even in the case of rape. He later called for a broader debate into abortion, although he still called abortion a "serious moral disorder," Canwest said.
Ouellet came to the defense of the pope who was accused of turning a blind eye to priests accused of sexually abusing children.
France Bedard, a victims' rights advocate said Ouellet doesn't deserve his promotion.
"What has he done for his people, for the victims of sexual assaults by priests? Nothing," Bedard said. "I'm wondering if this is really a promotion or simply an escape."
