July 10, 2009
Posted: July 10th, 2009 02:56 PM ET

From

(CNN) - President Obama presented Pope Benedict XVI a letter from Sen. Edward Kennedy during their meeting at the Vatican Friday, and asked the Pontiff to pray for the senator, who is being treated for brain cancer.

White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs told reporters the president called the Massachusetts Democrat after the meeting. Gibbs said the two spoke for about 10 minutes as Air Force One left Rome heading for Ghana, "telling him he had delivered the letter on his behalf to the Pope."

The letter was described as personal. According to Deputy National Security Adviser Denis McDonough, "the contents of the letter were not known to anyone I know of except Senator Kennedy."

McDonough said Obama and the Pope discussed Kennedy at the end of their half-hour discussion. He told reporters the president "asked that the Holy Father pray for ...Sen. Kennedy, who as we all know is ill, and whose brother obviously broke an important barrier in our country by being the first Catholic president," according to a transcript released by the White House.

The 77-year-old Kennedy was diagnosed with the brain tumor after suffering seizures in May 2008.

Filed under: Pope Benedict XVI • President Obama


Keith in Austin   July 10th, 2009 8:47 pm ET

To Al from Palm Springs: Please stop blaming the Bush Administration! Your liberal bretheran have made a total mess and it's time YOU show some accountibility. I know it's easier to blame things on others and play victom to everything in life. Your a perfect Democrat thinking big Goverment will take care of you. You're so pathetic Al!

Albert   July 10th, 2009 7:53 pm ET

President Bush and Little Dick Cheney were both Methodists, NOT Catholics.

Rasheen   July 10th, 2009 7:49 pm ET

Did anyone catch that, in the last CNN article about the Pope, he was advocating for a "One World Government" or Financial System?

Patriot   July 10th, 2009 7:43 pm ET

It's just a letter asking the Pope to pray for all the sins he committed and asking if he can buy his way into heaven. No big deal, the President didn't know what was written.

NYC REPUB   July 10th, 2009 7:27 pm ET

I'm extremely proud of our President!!!!! The Lord would not have made this historic election for nothing!!!! This half white, half african President, is here in this moment for good reason. America will come back, it will just take some time.........
That pic above is a testamony to God, and country!!!! God Bless America!! I pray for a miracle in the economy, and humanity of the USA that will baffle the critics, and the wise. Even baffle the President himself!!!!

Emi   July 10th, 2009 6:59 pm ET

Yes, you are right, Ted Kennedy is a sinner!!!!...but, by the same token all of us are sinners, if you didn't know it, well, now you do...rude awakening for all of you righteous people!!!!!

Senator Edward Kennedy: Thank you for all the years dedicated to noble and higher ideals to better the lives of all Americans!!

Dominic   July 10th, 2009 6:57 pm ET

hmmm, so Obama is ok for the Pope himself to meet with, but NOT good enough for Norte Dame??? I think they should learn from this, its ok to disagree, NOT ok to ban people

AlwaysThinking   July 10th, 2009 6:57 pm ET

skyhawkdriver: Edward Kennedy did not drown a woman in his car; yes, he was driving, the car went in the water and he was unable to save her.

If you think Senator Kennedy hasn't suffered every day bearing that burden, wishing he could change the events of that night, then you are mistaken. He has dedicated his life to public service, in the face of constant public ridicule and through the horrible loss of his two dear brothers, in a effort to do good with his life. I have always respected him for that.

Thankfully, God is bigger than all those posting here who are filled with hate, capable of accepting the sincere remorse and amends of us imperfect humans. I have complete confidence that, however you may conceive of the afterlife, that God will welcome Senator Kennedy into his loving arms, when that days comes.

Stephanie   July 10th, 2009 6:53 pm ET

It is the LAW that the Obama family has to pay for all the accomadations, food, entertainment and any purchases made by his daughters and the people accompanying him. They must also pay for any antertainment, meals and expenses for the First Couple.

The plane was going there anyway so the seats were free. When the girls met Pres. Obama in Europe there were other gov't officials using the plane to meet with him in Europe.

That is the trouble with blogs...they are a cesspool of spreading false information.

stormerF   July 10th, 2009 6:49 pm ET

Another wasted trip,Obama is not a Catholic,and his agenda is opposite of the Pope's so what was he thinking? He is not going to change the Pope's mind about Abortion ,stem cell research,or God.

Simmy   July 10th, 2009 6:28 pm ET

Sad to see that the ugly Americans are still around......Don't make your whole life about what's wrong with the country.....Make a change.....You didn't speak out for eight years - It's too late now.....

Wilson   July 10th, 2009 6:16 pm ET

He loved that letter from the two people who are responsible for more babies being killed anywhere in the world – Obama & Kennedy. I bet the Pontiff was afraid it might scorch his fingers.

Tim Cooper   July 10th, 2009 6:16 pm ET

How disappointing that some here would sit in judgement of Senator Kennedy by contrasting the Senator's political position with what they think God expects of him. It is not for any of us – even political conservatives like me – to cast the first stone. God's mercy is available to everyone, regardless of politics or conduct. Every Jeffrey Dahmer sought (and received) baptism. When we cast the first stone we are presuming to do God's job for him. That may happen in Iran, but please – let's not behave that way here.

Elly   July 10th, 2009 6:14 pm ET

Too bad us, average taxpayers don't have ltrs given to the pope. I can never understand how Kennedy, someone who is as liberal as it comes, can call himself a Roman Catholic. I wish him well in his recovery however he is everything that Catholicism isn't. Divorced, yet he rcvd an annulment after being married for yrs with children, womanizer, left the scene of an accident which resulted in the death of a woman, and has voted in favor a legal abortion rights-which is the epitome of what Catholicism is against.

kyle from ohio   July 10th, 2009 6:08 pm ET

Daniel Kinsman July 10th, 2009 5:50 pm ET

DUDE, call it by it's real name you are a Social conservative (abortion rights is not just a issue label as liberal or conservative) not just a conservative. And although i'm liberal and conservative on many issues of live. I do agree with you on praying for my friends and ememies. For the creator is the final judge.

S Callahan   July 10th, 2009 6:07 pm ET

I hope he prayed 'with' President Obama...he needs all the prayers he can get with his over the top agenda(s). I'm not Catholic, and the only one I know as father is God, but I'd like to think this Pope is as honorable as the previous. I wish Sen. Kennedy healing...in God's will...and peace on his journey.

nom deplume   July 10th, 2009 6:04 pm ET

Ren from Baltimore,

You took the gloves off. Everything is fair game. What did you expect?
Today, the internet. Tomorrow, the streets. And that will be a bad day for liberal snarkers.

Jim   July 10th, 2009 5:59 pm ET

more republican sensationalizing a trivial non-issue.

instead of nay-saying, when, oh WHEN are they going to even just try to come up with some plans for getting the problems we have under control?

Daniel Kinsman   July 10th, 2009 5:50 pm ET

I'm a conservative. Kennedy is a liberal who supported abortion and gay marriage. He knows his time is coming where he will stand before God. I'd pray for him. I don't want any one to fare badly at judgement because we will all be there. I'd pray for him. It's what we all should do. I pray for celebrities who die. The living can help those who die with their prayers. I don't want anyone to go to hell. Hell is the eternal loss of heaven and eternal loss of God never to see Him or feel him or experience Him in anyway,shape or form whatsoever and being consumed with evil for all eternity. That is what hell is. I don't wish that on anyone.

No Hillary = No Obama   July 10th, 2009 5:45 pm ET

To me the Catholic church is the eptiome of a sexist culture, chock-full-of males who feel superior to women. Obama won on his gender, not his Blackness. So it is fitting these two are all smiles.

skyhawkdriver   July 10th, 2009 5:42 pm ET

What exactly would the hero of chappaquittic write to the pope??..that he is sorry for drowning an innocent woman in his car??or for consuming thousands of gallons of chivas??..or for being the son of a bootlegger??..or for chasing every skirt he saw..or for supporting the murder of unborn children??..hopefully the pope burned the letter

kyle from ohio   July 10th, 2009 5:39 pm ET

JoJo July 10th, 2009 5:08 pm ET

@Gwenn

Maybe Obama, and his wife haven't earned their title. Obama for Mr. President, and Michelle for First Lady.

Spoken like a well informed person Let's see fair election, transfer of power, hey New president and 1st lady. unless you live on another planet.

Kelby In Houston, TX   July 10th, 2009 5:38 pm ET

Dear Negative poster and naysayers,
Did you know this article was about the president giving the pope a note? Shouldn't it take a little bit more than note passing to make you irate? It's not like Obama was consulting the pope on national policy...sheesh.

P. S. get a grip!

kyle from ohio   July 10th, 2009 5:37 pm ET

JoJo July 10th, 2009 5:08 pm ET

@Gwenn

Maybe Obama, and his wife haven't earned their title. Obama for Mr. President, and Michelle for First Lady.

Speakin like a will informed person. Let's see fair election, transfer of power, hey New president and 1st lady. unless you live on another planet.

Ren from Baltimore   July 10th, 2009 5:32 pm ET

More negativity, even as regards a visit between the U.S. of A.'s president and the pope. What is the deal with these Republicans this time??

Knock it off!

jaye   July 10th, 2009 5:31 pm ET

I love our president!!!

Chris   July 10th, 2009 5:26 pm ET

There you go, even our leaders don't trust the US Postal Service. They're probably asleep like that security guard.

Steve (the real one)   July 10th, 2009 5:24 pm ET

@been there July 10th, 2009 5:04 pm ET

Steve (the real one) – If you were trying to establish that blanket statements could not be made about knucklehead Republicans you accomplished the opposite, knucklehead.
----------------------------
I am telling you that blanket statments no matter who makes them, are wrong, and unfair, knuckhead!

Paul   July 10th, 2009 5:23 pm ET

God bless America, our President and the Holy Father

Catholicism is about being universal,. about love and forgiveness, not about the hatred that seems to be imprinted in a few selfish hearts.

May the Lord bless our nation and may we share our progress with the world, afterall we are one family, one, race, the human race.

Hall for Obama   July 10th, 2009 5:15 pm ET

makesUwonder, you miss the boat, where have you been these last 8 years. I need the Pope prays but not because Obama is destroying this country. It is people like you who are destroying America with your hate. I feel sorry for you it must be hard on you to know America have a half black president that right he is half white so get over it. Stop with the KKK s-t. believe me when God call you I hope someone is there to pray for you, you will need it.

JoJo   July 10th, 2009 5:08 pm ET

@Gwenn

Maybe Obama, and his wife haven't earned their title. Obama for Mr. President, and Michelle for First Lady.

been there   July 10th, 2009 5:04 pm ET

Steve (the real one) – If you were trying to establish that blanket statements could not be made about knucklehead Republicans you accomplished the opposite, knucklehead.

Jody   July 10th, 2009 5:00 pm ET

Why can't we give Obama some time–a lot more than six months to try to make a dent in the mess left by eight years of incompetency and stupidity i.e. Bush/Cheney. I for one am very hopeful that this young, extremely intelligent man can eventually bring back our country to some extent. Dear God, what whould it be like if McCain/Palin had won? I will tell you, more of the same as Bush/Cheney. I am so proud of President Obama and his representation of America when he goes abroad. I pray he will be successfu in his many endeavors.

David   July 10th, 2009 4:57 pm ET

It is so obvious anyway. These crooks are all in their cabal together.

Zero.   July 10th, 2009 4:55 pm ET

Tough? He should have asked for a miracle. The USA will be in the same mess as Italy by the time Obama has finished this fiscal-year..

Tulsa   July 10th, 2009 4:55 pm ET

TCM,
You really should research a little before you "ASSUME" what an intelligent person is thinking. The Pope has actually had high marks for the Obama administration. Look at his (the Pope's) writings at the 100 day mark of the president's term.

Oh well, since you're a Republican I suppose making things up and being nasty are just par for the course for you.

Gwen K.Smith   July 10th, 2009 4:51 pm ET

It is so sad the negativity and hate that people expressed. It says a lot about their low self esteem and self hate. What every Senate Kennedy expressed in his letter was for him and the Pope.

President Obama takes his family with him to send time with them, share with the experience of seeing the world in which they live, and meeting new people. It grows you as a person.

When our former Presidents took their families with them or they went on separate trips. I did not hear such outrage. Mrs. Bush and the Girls, Mrs. Clinton and Chelsa, The Nixon, etc.

I still see the American Media, Print media, and some citizen still show disrepect and discrimination of our President and Frist Lady by addressing them in the disrepectful discriminatory practice of referring to African Americans only by their names "Obama, Barrack Obama , Michelle or his wife". and not by the earned title and position of " President, Frist Lady, Mr. or Mrs Obama.
This is what was done when Regan, Bush 1&2, NIxon Nancy, Barbara or Laura and other former Presidents and Frist Laides were covered.
Why do you all disrepect and discriminate against our elected President and Frist Lady?

TEDDY   July 10th, 2009 4:50 pm ET

He should pray for what he did in Chapakwidick. He needs to repent before seeing St. Peter. Ted Kennedy has a lot of sins

Steve (the real one)   July 10th, 2009 4:41 pm ET

@Kevin from MN July 10th, 2009 3:54 pm ET
Honestly, what is with all the Republicans going insane over the Obama family traveling with him on this Europe trip
---------------------------–
Nice with the blanket statement, Kev. Grasping for straws are we?? So according to you, any knuckle headed democrat (and believe me they exist) represents ALL democrats and they represent you as well, right? Sounds fair to me!!

EBC, MD   July 10th, 2009 4:41 pm ET

AAaaaaaah that's so nice of the President. The Pope will surely say a special prayer for Sen. Kennedy.

GOD BLESS OUR PRESIDENT.

Steve (the real one)   July 10th, 2009 4:40 pm ET

@Kevin from MN July 10th, 2009 3:54 pm ET
Honestly, what is with all the Republicans going insane over the Obama family traveling with him on this Europe trip
---------------------------–
Nice with the blanket statement, Kev. Garsping for straws are we?? So according to you, any knuckle headed democrat (and believe me they exist) represents ALL democrats and they represent you as well, right? Sounds fair to me!!

Neutralizer   July 10th, 2009 4:36 pm ET

Kevin from MN July 10th, 2009 3:54 pm ET

Honestly, what is with all the Republicans going insane over the Obama family traveling with him on this Europe trip "ON THE AMERICAN TAXPAYER DOLLAR". Its not Obama called up his AAA travel agent and booked 3 extra tickets! Its a couple of extra seats on Air Force 1, which was already heading overseas as it is, and the family stays with him. Why wasn't there so much outrage in the past when the first family would travel overseas or go to Camp David?!?!?! How much do you think it costs the government to staff and guard that little get-away?

=====

They have to use TWO AIRCRAFT! Airforce One for Obambi, the other aircraft for his relatives flying in Europe, from his mother-in-law to other family members. That's the problem with Democraps you can't see crap even if it hits your eyes.

jon   July 10th, 2009 4:35 pm ET

No doubt asking to be absolved from his 70 years of sins and murder!

smegmabreath   July 10th, 2009 4:27 pm ET

I'm sure if the Pope says a prayer, Kennedy will be cured.

Anonymous   July 10th, 2009 4:09 pm ET

Everyone is sooo funny on these postings. This is such a non-issue. Who cares what the Pope does or doesn't pray about. As a Christian I believe that Jesus Christ himself is my High Priest who intercedes on my behalf to God. remember "When you pray whatsoever you ask in my name(Jesus) it shall be done (answered)."

Kelly   July 10th, 2009 4:02 pm ET

I also hope Obama as the Pope to pray for the family of Mary Jo Kopechne.

johnnie   July 10th, 2009 4:01 pm ET

the comments coming from the(gop) crowd are so racist and just dumb, thats why you lost morons...............cnn is destroying itself. i dare these clowns to talk about the pope and president with no shame. and cnn, promotes that rite nut party. they are stupid, like cnn is.

Kevin from MN   July 10th, 2009 3:54 pm ET

Honestly, what is with all the Republicans going insane over the Obama family traveling with him on this Europe trip "ON THE AMERICAN TAXPAYER DOLLAR". Its not Obama called up his AAA travel agent and booked 3 extra tickets! Its a couple of extra seats on Air Force 1, which was already heading overseas as it is, and the family stays with him. Why wasn't there so much outrage in the past when the first family would travel overseas or go to Camp David?!?!?! How much do you think it costs the government to staff and guard that little get-away?

Fair is Fair   July 10th, 2009 3:49 pm ET

tedious898 –

Good name – it's pretty tedious to read the pablum that you barf here.

Put away your crayons, now. Mommy says your PB&J sammich is ready.

Kevin B   July 10th, 2009 3:47 pm ET

TCM and makeuswonder seem to be so willfully misinformed and hateful that they must live miserabe lives, probaly spending thier weekends kicking pets and and complaining about how some minority or other person took advantage of them in the past.

However, I respect thier opinions, because it take a lot of effort to be that stupid........

tedious898   July 10th, 2009 3:42 pm ET

Fair is Fake....makes U Blunder....and TCMutthead

= Lost fools trying to find Rush and Vanity.

Guess what people ? The CNN site is for people that actually think everyday. U people need to go to "Right Wing" class and get some new material....not that anyone cares....or that it makes sense. I just hope you can freshen up that sorry diatribe you guys post.

Oh that's right "Party of NO...ideas". Well do the best you can

Wanderer   July 10th, 2009 3:42 pm ET

What Pope’s prayers are going to do for Senator Kennedy? I am curious, though. If his prayers can help the Senator, then I am asking if he can do it for all of us when we have health conditions. When Pope’s time comes, who is going to pray for him?

Best wish to Senator Kennedy.

Neutralizer   July 10th, 2009 3:39 pm ET

Ted Kennedy son of the BOOTLEGGER, womanizer!

Hey CNN Why can you not post Obambi took Robinson family on this trip to Europe. The American TAXPAYERS wanted to be refunded for expenses!

Chris   July 10th, 2009 3:39 pm ET

@makesUwonder
"...Obama in office destroying this country ...."

Give Rush back his pills!!!!

kyle from ohio   July 10th, 2009 3:33 pm ET

TCM July 10th, 2009 3:17 pm ET

And again a True American, speaking and this true America in which you speak of dated from 1861 and before? Jim Crow, KKK, no rights for Women or people of color just great. thanks but no thanks, i'll just be a American with the dream of one nation under God etc......

Fair is Fair   July 10th, 2009 3:29 pm ET

to tcm,southern cousins and phoenix 86 and fair is fair July 10th, 2009 3:19 pm ET

what happened to your notre dame protests,dont ave any left over to go to rome.?clownsssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss
________________

Not a catholic, bubba. I could give a rats you-know-what about notre dame.

jm   July 10th, 2009 3:29 pm ET

I wonder if Teddy prays for Mary Jo.

tedious898   July 10th, 2009 3:28 pm ET

TCM July 10th, 2009 3:17 pm ET

I think the Pope sees the lack of Christian values from the liberals dismantling this country, and would pray for Kennedy out of his faith; however, I believe he's praying harder for the true Americans that are under the oppression of the incompetent Obama administration, that this current administration fails.

====================

Lack of Christian values? You mean the one's shown by Ensign, Sanford, Newt ?

Yeah.....we should keep the GOP in power for those wonderful Christian values to be shining example of our country. I happen to be a Christian but certainly don't recognize it in your party. Please explain what you're reading from ? King James version or "The Married Bachelor escapeds.

Because doing the nasty with one's mistress I haven't been able to find as a virtue listed in any of the chapters I've read.

REPUBLICANS=EXTREMISTS   July 10th, 2009 3:24 pm ET

God bless Ted kennedy.

tedious898   July 10th, 2009 3:22 pm ET

makesUwonder July 10th, 2009 3:05 pm ET

Sure would have been nice if Obama had given the Pope letters from us and ask the Pope to pray for all of us. With Obama in office destroying this country day in and day out we sure need all the prayers we can get

------------–

HA.....so tell me what would have been the GOP's ideas about fixing the mess left by the last 8 years of failure? Do it all over again? Please .....you can't be as dumb as you sound. But then again you're probably a rethuglican that has lost your way over to the Faux'd News website. Move along now....nothing here but adults

Husman   July 10th, 2009 3:20 pm ET

Bush and his gang of idiots blinded by hatred destroyed this country, not the efforts that Barack is putting in since inauguration.and i hope the money ,human and financial resources wasted in Iraq will be used to fix the rot that is todays America.

al from palm springs   July 10th, 2009 3:20 pm ET

this is to " make U wonder" pull your head out of your butt and pray for yourself and stop being so self rightous when it was another administration that got us in to this mess

to tcm,southern cousins and phoenix 86 and fair is fair   July 10th, 2009 3:19 pm ET

what happened to your notre dame protests,dont ave any left over to go to rome.?clownsssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss

TCM   July 10th, 2009 3:17 pm ET

I think the Pope sees the lack of Christian values from the liberals dismantling this country, and would pray for Kennedy out of his faith; however, I believe he's praying harder for the true Americans that are under the oppression of the incompetent Obama administration, that this current administration fails.

Fair is Fair   July 10th, 2009 3:05 pm ET

Confession, Teddy?

Actions speak louder than words.

makesUwonder   July 10th, 2009 3:05 pm ET

Sure would have been nice if Obama had given the Pope letters from us and ask the Pope to pray for all of us. With Obama in office destroying this country day in and day out we sure need all the prayers we can get.

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