Kennedy recounted the supposed good works he had done on behalf of the poor and to stop war, acknowledged he was imperfect (no details), and asked for the Pope’s prayers on his behalf. The Pope responded with a rather brief and general statement of comfort and support. Abortion was the five ton elephant silently crowding the correspondence.
Thank you for that clarification. I wonder why the Pope didn’t urge Kennedy to adopt a more pro-life stance, with whatever remained of his life? It seems like that could have done in a gentle, shepherdly manner, and it might have done Kennedy a world of good.