if they were still cohabitating up to wedding day ... that is a no go.
Completely inappropriate.
In all the news coverage of the event, that was left completely ambiguous.
The Popes have always been there for Ted, from his first Communion by Pope Pius XII at age 7, to Pope Benedict XVI blessing him on his death bed in a letter in 2009, but he had to settle for a Cardinal to perform his first marriage and a Cardinal for his funeral.
It was a blessing from his Pope, who personally read Ted’s letter, and his Pope responded to him and blessed him.
“”The Holy Father has read the letter in which you””
“”He invokes upon you the consolation and peace of our 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 intervention of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The Holy Father cordially imparts his apostolic blessing as a pledge of wisdom, comfort and strength in the Lord.””