According to the pope, 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.

Canwest News Service has reported that 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 has also reported that 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."

Ouellet came to the defense of the pope who was accused of turning a blind eye to priests accused of sexually abusing children.

Ouellet doesn't deserve his promotion, said France Bedard, a victims' rights advocate.

Bedard said, "What has he done for his people, for the victims of sexual assaults by priests? Nothing. I'm wondering if this is really a promotion or simply an escape." (With inputs from Agencies)