I read about this elsewhere. It seems Rome overturns about 90% of US annulments which are appealed (sadly, not many are appealed). It's good to know that Rome still knows what constitutes a valid marriage even if the US bishops seem to not have a clue.

The plot thickens...

Here's a comment from The Cafeteria is Closed blog:

Quote

If Joseph Kennedy's canonical counsel is on the ball, this appeal should be promptly re-appealed, while being certain to submit into evidence his ex-wife's book, properly highlighted where she states that she does not and never has believed that marriage is permanent and life-long, and holds that of cource she could file for a divorce when it didn't work out any more.........

Might the annulment be back on?

Clare.

Roma locuta, causa finita est!   Does Rome ever reverse herself?

It brings to mind Henry VIII and his troubles with Rome, who will not grant him the annulment he sought.  The marriage of Henry and Catharine of Aragon, whose marriage to Henry's brother, Edward, was dispensed by the Pope because it was never consummated (Edward died soon after the marriage), and the impediment of consanguinity did not become an issue through Pope Julius II's dispensation.  As St. Thomas More put: "How is a dispensation dispensed with?"  The Pope could but would not undo his own law.  Not for the sake of adultery [Henry's desire for annulment was to marry Anne Bolyne (reputed to be his own daughter -- The Rise and Fall of the Anglican Schism, Rev. Fr. Nicolas Sander)]