Quebec papal contender 'ready' but wary of media spotlight

Quebec Cardinal Marc Ouellet, who is considered by some to be a leading contender for the Vatican's top post, says he knows he must be ready to become thenext popeas cardinalsprepare to select Benedict's successor.

"I have to be ready even if I think that probably others could do it better," Ouellet said when asked if he wants to become the next pope.

• RELATED: Ouellet's Quebec hometown parishioners offer prayers for papal favourite

"My name is circulating, but I am very careful to go beyond this sort of media expectations," he said.

The interview airs on The National on Monday March 4and Tuesday March 5 at 10 p.m. ET/10:30 p.m.NT on CBC-TV. It airs on CBC News Network at 9 p.m. ET/11 p.m. PT on both dates.

The selection of a Canadian as pontiff would be unprecedented. A non-European cardinal has never been chosen to lead the church. The conclaveisexpected to begin in mid-March with a date to be announced soon.

Ouellet, considered by some to be a favourite for the position, is one of three Canadiansincluding Cardinal Thomas Collins from Toronto and Quebec Cardinal Jean-Claude Turcottewho will participate inthe conclave to select the next pope.

Ouellet participated in 2005 conclave

Ouellet'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.

Ouellet was appointed metropolitan archbishop of Quebec in November 2002, and elevated to the Sacred College of Cardinals one year later. He participated in the conclave that led to the papal election of Benedict in April 2005.

He is also prefect of the Congregation of Bishops and president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America.

Born in La Motte, in northwestern Quebec, Ouellet spent several years working in Colombia early in his priesthood. Among his six languages, he speaks fluent Spanish apparently with a Colombian accent.

Tracey Rowland, the author of a book on Pope Benedicts theological writing and Dean of Melbournes John Paul II Institute for Marriage and Family, has said Ouellet is a highly regarded theologian.

But in Quebec, many see Ouellet as a social conservative, whose views are far to the right of the prevailing attitude on issues ranging from birth control to homosexual marriage to women in the priesthood.