An elderly Philadelphia cardinal won't have to testify at a priest-abuse trial, but will likely give a videotaped deposition later this month.
A judge says she expects to find 92-year-old retired Cardinal Anthony Bevilacqua competent to be deposed before the trial of his former secretary for clergy.
Prosecutors want to preserve his testimony in case he cannot attend the March trial. Church lawyers say he suffers from cancer and dementia.
Monsignor William Lynn is charged with child endangerment and conspiracy for allegedly transferring predator priests. Three priests and a former teacher are charged with rape.
Lawyers for Lynn say he was acting on orders from Bevilacqua, whom he served from 1992 to 2004.
The Philadelphia Inquirer first reported on Judge Teresa Sarmina's ruling on the deposition Friday.
