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Ex-execs of Vatican hospital to testify at their trial

VATICAN CITY (AP) - A Vatican court will hear testimony from two ex-executives of the Holy See's pediatric hospital in their embezzlement trial later this month.

The trial resumed Thursday in a Vatican courtroom after a two-month recess. But proceedings were adjourned until Sept. 19 after the defense and the prosecution requested more time to study a memorandum from Bambino Gesu Hospital's current head given to the tribunal a day earlier.

The defendants are accused of diverting nearly 500,000 euros ($600,900) in hospital donations to renovate the penthouse apartment of Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, who had served as Vatican secretary of state. The defense has argued the renovations were needed so the apartment could host hospital fundraisers.

The judge also scheduled hearings for Sept. 21 and 22, saying witnesses would testify after the defendants.

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