Lawyer seeks to protect aged Cardinal Bevilacqua from courtroom appearance
August 31, 2011
An attorney for Cardinal Anthony Bevilacqua is seeking to avoid courtroom testimony by the retired prelate, saying that he is too frail to make an appearance.
The attorney, Brian McMonagle, argues that the retired Archbishop of Philadelphia should be allowed to give his testimony privately, in his own home. Now 88 years old, Cardinal Bevilacqua is suffering from cancer and dementia, he said.
Earlier this month, prosecutors asked the court to hold a hearing to determine whether the cardinal would be competent to testify in the case against a former aide, Msgr. William Lynn. The cardinal was not called to testify before the grand jury that indicted Msgr. Lynn on charges of endangering children.
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Further information:
- Bevilacqua’s lawyer seeks to close competency hearing (Philadelphia Inquirer)
- Philadelphia prosecutors want testimony from ailing elderly cardinal (CWN, 8/4)
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