CANADA
CBC News
A provocative cardinal hailing from Quebec could be the next leader of the Roman Catholic Church after pope emeritus Benedict XVI officially stepped down Thursday.
Considered by some to be a favourite for the position, Cardinal Marc Ouellet is one of three Canadians who will participate in a conclave to select the next pope.
The Le Motte, Que., native’s current role at the Vatican has him overseeing the appointment of bishops. He is also an active member of several Roman Catholic commissions and committees.
But Ouellet’s rise through the church’s ranks has not been without controversy. In 2010, his comment that abortion was a “moral crime,” even in the case of rape, drew heavy criticism.
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