But, acknowledging the throng of reporters and camera crews who crowded into a conference room Friday, she said she felt she had to publicly address the issue.
"If I were to remain silent on what's going on right now, I think I would actually generate speculation, which is not appropriate," Ferman said.
One of Bevilacqua's top aides, Msgr. William J. Lynn, faces trial in Philadelphia Common Pleas Court next month on child-endangerment charges, having allegedly recommended sexually abusive priests for assignments that gave them access to minors. As secretary for clergy, Lynn was responsible for reviewing abuse allegations and recommending treatment or placements for accused priests.
Bevilacqua was not charged in the case, but had become a central witness.
In November, Judge M. Teresa Sarmina declared the cardinal competent and let prosecutors from the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office question him during a closed hearing at the seminary. The assistant district attorneys cited Bevilacqua's frail health as one reason they wanted to preserve his testimony on videotape before the trial.
Acting on a request from defense attorneys, Sarmina last week reiterated her ruling that Bevilacqua was competent and could still be called to the witness stand at trial. He died the next night.
Ferman said Philadelphia prosecutors did not contact her or anyone in her office about Bevilacqua's death or ask her to intervene.
After the cardinal died, his body was transferred to Donohue Funeral Home in Upper Darby. Hofman examined it the next day, Feb. 1, at his Norristown office.
The body was already embalmed, but Hofman said embalming would not interfere with his exam. The body was returned to the funeral home that day.
Bevilacqua was entombed Tuesday in a crypt at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul.
Contact staff writer John P. Martin at 215-854-4774, jmartin@phillynews.com, or @JPMartinInky on Twitter.
