Judge will rule soon on Cardinal Bevilacqua's fitness to testify
November 10, 2011
A Pennsylvania judge has indicated that she will soon decide whether or not retired Cardinal Anthony Bevilacqua of Philadelphia should testify in the case against four priests on sex-abuse charges.
Prosecutors have sought to question the elderly cardinal about the records of the accused priests—one of whom, Msgr. William Lynn, was a top aide to Cardinal Bevilacqua. The cardinal’s lawyers argue that their client, who is 88 years old, is unable to testify because he suffers from dementia.
Judge Teresa Sarmina says that she will receive a report on the cardinal’s medical condition next week, and will then rule on his fitness to testify.
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Further information:
- Judge nears decision on Bevilacqua competency (Philadelphia Inquirer)
- Judge postpones hearing on Cardinal Bevilacqua's fitness for court testimony (CWN, 9/7)
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