Certainly it is possible that he repented in real faith in the LOrd Jesus to save him by His sinless, shed blood, as a damned+destitute sinner, and which was also said in defense of Ted Kennedy.
However, in both cases there was zero evidence of any real repentance.
And thus, as likely with Chavez, traditional RCs were upset at Kenedy’s funeral.
Kennedy, was given Masses in his own house at the same time he impenitently promoted abortion and homosexual rights. And then was honored with a glorious funeral, in which Pres, Obama gave a eulogy, contrary to canon law., and even offered a prayer for Teddy’s soul. (http://www.canonlaw.info/blogarch09.htm)
And which body of law also forbids as his moral views were effectively a “withdrawal of submission to the Supreme Pontiff,” (Canon Law # 751)
According to Canon 1184 §, unless they gave some signs of repentance before death, the following must be deprived of ecclesiastical funerals:
1/ notorious apostates, heretics, and schismatics;
2/ those who chose the cremation of their bodies for reasons contrary to Christian faith;
3/ other manifest sinners who cannot be granted ecclesiastical funerals without public scandal of the faithful. (http://www.ewtn.com/library/liturgy/zlitur280.htm)
Kenedy’s RC funeral should have public scandal of the faithful, as there was not manifest signs of repentance before death
In a recent letter to the Pope which was read at his graveside, he 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.
Nor did the pope censure him at all in his response, but “the Holy Father cordially imparts his Apostolic Blessing as a pledge of wisdom, comfort and strength in the Lord.” ( www.politicsdaily.com/2009/08/29/ted-kennedy-to-pope-benedict-i-am-writing-with-deep-humility/)
As one in need of grace, i do not want to be hard on struggling believers, but such men as Kennedy were critically in error and unrepentant, and illustrates what Rome effectually conveys in part.
See http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/religion/2901874/posts?page=68#68 and thread relevant to this. more
Nor did the pope censure him at all in his response, but “the Holy Father cordially imparts his Apostolic Blessing as a pledge of wisdom, comfort and strength in the Lord.”
I’ll bet you a fine curelom steak dinner that Harry Reid will die in the busom of his church as well.
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.