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 call a broad conspiracy that kept predator priests around children.
Lynn faces up to 28 years if convicted of child endangerment and conspiracy.
