Vatican Reverses Annulment of Kennedy Nuptials

BOSTON — The Vatican reversed the annulment of a former House lawmaker's first marriage, a union that had lasted 12 years and produced two sons.

Sheila Rauch yesterday confirmed a report on Time magazine's Web site that her appeal of the annulment to Rome has succeeded.

"I'm very grateful that the marriage was validated," she said. Ms. Rauch had sharply criticized the Catholic Church for annulling her marriage to Joseph Kennedy II, alleging in a 1997 book that the Kennedy family's influence in the church had made it possible.

Ms. Rauch and Mr. Kennedy, the eldest son of the late senator Robert Kennedy, were granted a civil divorce in 1991.