The other shame is that Boston has been afflicted with archbishop after archbishop who have not been up to the task. The last really great one was Cardinal "Gangplank Bill" O'Connell (archbishop from 1907 to 1944.
He was succeeded by Richard Cardinal Cushing (archbishop from 1944-1970) who apparently played a role in the quite scandalous annulment of the marriage of Jacqueline Kennedy's sister Lee Radziwell at a time when annulments were appropriately rare. Cushing also had a role in seeing to it that Mary Jo Kopechne's remains were gotten out of Massachusetts lest there be any embarrassment to Ted the Swimmer in the event that an autopsy might reveal the exact details of her death (apparently she lived for hours while Teddy dithered over the consequences to his political career) or other possible embarrassments.
Humberto Cardinal Madeiros came next and he was such a confirmed liberal that he refused entry of transfer students from the public schools (i,e,, PS 666) during the busing controversy, establishing his apparent view that forcible court-ordered desegration and busing schemes took precedence over the spiritual well-being of the souls of the children denied admission and their actual education in all subjects other than gang-banging and drug dealing.
Bernard Cardinal Law came next (1984-2002). Enough said.
Law was succeeded by Sean Cardinal O'Malley, another apparent chum of Clan Kennedy.
I take it you are not actually suggesting that Benedict XVI actually approved of the late apostate buffoon of Hyannis Port.
You mean in regards to this:
In a recent letter to the Pope which was read at his graveside, he ]Kennedy] insolently asserts he never failed to believe and respect the fundamental teachings of his church, and tried to be a faithful Catholic, etc..
The closest thing we get to any kind of contrition is the ambiguous, I know that I have been an imperfect human being, but with the help of my faith, I have tried to right my path, before he goes on to to defend his wonderful works, including universal health care. Not a word of remorse about supporting abortion or promoting homosexual rights, or indolence and a welfare state.
In his response, the pope did not censure him at all, but writing, as usual, through a senior Vatican official, he said,
He was saddened to know of your illness, and has asked me to assure you of his concern and his spiritual closeness. He is particularly grateful for your promise of prayers for him and for the needs of the universal Church."
The Holy Father has read the letter which you entrusted to President Barack Obama, who kindly presented it to him during their recent meeting. His Holiness prays that in the days ahead you may be sustained in faith and hope, and granted the precious grace of joyful surrender to the will of God our merciful Father. He invokes upon you the consolation and peace promised by the Risen Savior to all who share in His sufferings and trust in His promise of eternal life.
Commending you and the members of your family to the loving intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Holy Father cordially imparts his Apostolic Blessing as a pledge of wisdom, comfort and strength in the Lord." "(http://www.politicsdaily.com/2009/08/29/ted-kennedy-to-pope-benedict-i-am-writing-with-deep-humility/)
Sounds like everything was copacetic. However, if he had converted and become a very conservative evangelical, then i am sure real concern for his soul would have been expressed.