Ted Kennedy's correspondence with Pope Benedict, as read at his burial service at Arlington (VIDEO)

(NECN: Washington, D.C.) - At the beginning of Senator Edward M. Kennedy's burial service at Arlington National Cemetery, Cardinal McCarrick read a letter the senator sent to Pope Benedict. It was delivered by President Barack Obama during his trip to the Vatican. As part of his initial correspondence, Sen. Kennedy wrote, "I am writing with deep humility to ask that you pray for me as my own health declines. I was diagnosed with brain cancer more than a year go, and although I continue treatment, the disease takes it toll on me." Sen. Kennedy continued, "I know that that I have been an imperfect human being, but with the help of my faith, I have tried to right my path." Sen. Kennedy mentioned in the letter the many rights for which he fought during his 47-year career as a United States Senator, including immigrant rights, championing the rights of the poor and fighting discrimination. "I've always tried to be a faithful Catholic, Your Holiness. And though I have fallen short through human failings, I've never failed to believe and respect the fundamental teachings of my faith," Kennedy wrote. "I continue to pray for God's blessings -- on you and on our church -- and would be most thankful for your prayers for me." The Vatican responded to the letter two weeks later, saying that Pope Benedict read the letter provided him by President Obama. McCarrick read a portion of the pontiff's correspondence. The Vatican wrote, "His Holiness prays that in the days ahead you may be sustained in faith and hope and granted the precious grace of joyful surrender to the will of God, our merciful Father. He invokes upon you the consolation and peace promised by the risen Savior to all who share in his sufferings and trust in his promise of eternal life." The letter continued, "The Holy Father cordially imparts his apostolic blessing as a pledge of wisdom, comfort and strength in the Lord." Sen. Kennedy was laid to rest just a hundred feet from where his brothers President John F. Kennedy and Sen. Robert F. Kennedy were buried.

VIDEO - http://www.wuaala.com/channel/necn/28287