“The production of children is irrelevant.”
Though later rescinded by the Vatican, Ted Kennedy’s annulment despite fathering 3 children is the example that first comes to mind.
What does that have to do with anything?
I don’t believe you are correct on your assertion that Ted Kennedy’s annulment was annulled by the Vatican. Although I can understand why you might believe that, as that rumor has been circulating for many years.
The confusion probably stems from the fact that the marriage of Joseph P Kennedy II to Sheila Rauch was annulled and then later reversed by the Vatican. They, by the way had two children, twins.
The substance of your point, however, is still valid, regardless as to which Kennedy’s annulment was rescinded by the Vatican. A further confirmation of the fact that Ted Kennedy’s annulment was never set aside is that after he divorced Joan Bennet in the early ‘80s, he remarried much later (mid ‘90s?) in a civil ceremony. Importantly, that marriage was later “blessed” by the Catholic Church.
Now while nothing is beyond the pale in today’s Catholic Church being headed up by the current pope, the Church under Pope John Paul II would never have allowed a marriage to be blessed if they had reason to believe he was still “married” under the laws of the Church.