3 Chosen For Philadelphia Priest-abuse Jury

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Three jurors have been seated to hear a landmark priest abuse case in Philadelphia involving two priests charged with rape and a monsignor charged with protecting them — and failing to protect children.

Monsignor William Lynn says he has evidence showing the late Cardinal Anthony Bevilacqua was calling the shots. But a judge on Monday refused to throw out his case.

Lynn says a newly unearthed memo shows he gave Bevilacqua a list of 35 still-active, accused priests in 1994.

Philadelphia prosecutors call the list a “smoking gun” that shows Lynn’s deep involvement in the church conspiracy.

Prosecutors never charged Bevilacqua or other higher-ups despite what they have said is a broad conspiracy that kept predator priests around children.

Lynn faces up to 28 years if convicted of child endangerment and conspiracy.