Kennedy to Pope: Pray for Me

President asks Benedict to pray for ill senator

(NEWSER) - President Obama delivered a letter from Ted Kennedy to Pope Benedict XVI at the Vatican today, CNN reports. Obama met with the pontiff for about a half hour before leaving Rome for Ghana. The contents of Kennedy’s letter were personal, an Obama aide said, and “not known to anyone I know of except Senator Kennedy." More»

Boomers recast prayer aid as 'weapon of spiritual warfare'

(NEWSER) - Pope Benedict says rosary beads are “experiencing a new springtime,” and the signs of the season are unexpected—American men. They're creating beads out of ball bearings or nylon, giving their sons rosaries with football-shaped beads, and using iPhone apps to pray. In Texas, the pickup-driving, camo-bedecked founder of Prayer Warriors drives his oversized rosary to different houses. More»

President calls for 'civility' in Washington

(AP) - President Obama appealed for a "spirit of civility" today among political opponents at the National Prayer Breakfast. "Surely you can question my policies without questioning my faith—or, for that matter, my citizenship,'' Obama said to laughter. Among the attendees was another lightning rod of late—Tim Tebow, who will appear in an anti-abortion ad during the Super Bowl. More»

(NEWSER) - When Ted Kennedy was diagnosed with brain cancer, he insisted that he would have a "good ending for myself," and friends tell the New York Times that the late senator's last 15 months were filled with joy. He and his wife Vicki spent evenings watching 24 and James Bond films, and in July he enjoyed near-nightly dinner parties with family. He also raced to finish work and his memoirs, saying, "I've got to get this right for history." More»

(NEWSER) - President Obama will deliver the eulogy at Sen. Ted Kennedy’s funeral Saturday in Boston, the Globe reports this evening. Obama will make the short trip from Martha’s Vineyard, where he’s vacationing, to the Basilica of Our Lady of Perpetual Help for the morning service; Kennedy will be buried that evening at Arlington National Cemetery. More»