Philly Judge Again Finds Church Cardinal Competent

Last updated on: January 30, 2012 at 5:42 pm by

Philly Judge Again Finds Church Cardinal Competent 2012-01-30T17:42:15-07:00

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PHILADELPHIA (AP) — A Philadelphia judge has again ruled that a retired Roman Catholic cardinal with dementia is competent and could become a trial witness.

Lawyers for Monsignor William Lynn say 88-year-old Cardinal Anthony Bevilacqua (beh-vih-LAH’-kwah) no longer recognizes his longtime aide, Lynn. They say Bevilacqua remembers little if anything about his 10 appearances before a grand jury in 2003 and 2004.

Lynn is the former secretary for clergy. He awaits trial on charges he endangered children and conspired with others to keep accused pedophiles in ministry.

Defense lawyers argue that he took orders from Bevilacqua. But they say the cardinal’s failing memory deprives them of meaningful cross-examination.

Monday’s ruling means prosecutors can use Bevilacqua’s recent videotaped deposition at the March trial.

Defense lawyers say they may call Bevilacqua to court if so.

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