Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, John Lennon and George Harrison at Top Of The Pops 1966
Photo: Chris Walter. All rights reserved.
The Beatles once said in their heyday in 1966 that they were “bigger than Jesus”. John Lennon made this bold statement. The Vatican was of course “not amused” at the time and naturally expressed its displeasure publicly.
But as early as 2010, the quote published in Lennon’s interview with the London Evening Standard was actually forgiven. After all, 44 years later, in the catholic church’s time categories a blink of an eye.
Even the pride of the Beatles was forgiven
The Vatican’s official newspaper, L’Osservatore Romano, eventually called the incident “meaningless” in the light of the Beatles’ pop culture performance.
“When you listen to their songs, all of that is forgotten,” the article said – even their “lives characterized by abandonment and drugs” at the time, which the Fab Four were said to have driven to pride at times.
The “L’Osservatore” finally stated: “Your wonderful melodies will live on as shining jewels.” Amen