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.
In the eyes of the Catholic church, nothing could be worse.
You can be the kind of hypocritical non-practicing Catholic that Kennedy and Chavez were and as long as you remain in the Church, be given all kinds of excuses and pardons, but convert and put your trust in Christ instead of Catholicism, is intolerable.
In the eyes of the Catholic church the worst Catholic sinner is better off than any godly Christian who is not part of the RCC.
I'd hazard a guess that Luther and Calvin lead more godly lives than Kennedy and Chavez.
Everyoine that has purchased an indulgeance is “in the bosom of the ‘church.’ “