Retired Philadelphia cardinal testifies in case against former aides

November 28, 2011

Retired Cardinal Anthony Bevilacqua of Philadelphia gave testimony for the criminal trial of his former subordinates on November 28, after a judge ruled that the ailing prelate was competent to act as a witness.

Prosecutors took Cardinal Bevilacqua’s deposition at his home, after Judge Teresa Sarmina had met with the cardinal and reviewed his medical records.

The cardinal’s lawyers had argued that because of dementia, he was not able to testify. Prosecutors had sought to take the cardinal’s deposition promptly, arguing that the deterioration of his mental faculties made it less likely that he would be ready to testify when the case comes to trial.

 

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Further information:

• Philly Cardinal Deposed in Rape, Endangerment Case (AP)
• Judge approves competency test for Cardinal Bevilacqua (CWN, 10/7)