Philadelphia's Cardinal Anthony Bevilacqua won't have to testify at the trial of a monsignor accused of covering up alleged sexual abuse by priests, but he will probably give a videotaped deposition later this month.
A judge says she expects to find Cardinal Bevilacqua, 88, competent to be deposed at home before the trial of his former secretary for clergy.
Prosecutors want to preserve Bevilacqua's 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 for allegedly transferring predator priests. Three priests and a former teacher are charged with raping boys.
Lynn's lawyers say he was acting on Bevilacqua's orders.
The Philadelphia Inquirer first reported on Judge Teresa Sarmina's ruling on the deposition Friday.
