In March of 1966, a revealing profile of John Lennon was published in the London Evening Standard under the intriguing title How does a Beatle Live? John Lennon Lives Like This. The article provided a vivid glimpse into the personal life of one of music’s most iconic figures.

Maureen Cleave, a notable British journalist closely associated with the Beatles during their prime, was conducting a series of interviews with each band member. In her insightful piece about Lennon, she painted a detailed picture of his home life with his wife Cynthia and their son Julian. She described his collection of eclectic items, including a room filled with model racing cars, a quirky gorilla suit, and even a vintage fruit machine, showcasing the unique personality of this legendary musician.

However, the profile gained notoriety for a reason far removed from Lennon’s fascinating collections. Within the article, Lennon candidly addressed the topic of religion, declaring, “Christianity will go. It will vanish and shrink. I needn’t argue about that; I’m right and I will be proved right. We’re more popular than Jesus now; I don’t know which will go first – rock ‘n’ roll or Christianity. Jesus was all right but his disciples were thick and ordinary. It’s them twisting it that ruins it for me.” This provocative statement sent shockwaves through the media.

When this controversial piece hit the newsstands, it surprisingly did not ruffle many feathers among British readers. At that time, church attendance and belief in the U.K. were on the decline, with many gravitating towards secularism and alternative approaches to spirituality. Thus, Lennon’s words seemed to resonate rather than incite outrage within the British context.

However, the reaction was starkly different when Lennon’s comments were reported in American publications. Several months later, his remarks sparked outrage across the United States. Some radio stations outright refused to play Beatles music, and demonstrations erupted in more religious regions where Beatles records and memorabilia were not only discarded but publicly burned. The controversy escalated to such an extent that it reached the Vatican itself. In the official newspaper of the Vatican, L’Osservatore Romano, the church issued a statement emphasizing that “some subjects must not be dealt with profanely, even in the world of Beatniks.”

John Lennon Addresses His Controversial Comments

In August of 1966, during a press conference in Chicago while the Beatles were touring the U.S., Lennon sought to clarify his earlier remarks. He stated, “I’m not anti-God, anti-Christ or anti-religion. I was not knocking it. I was not saying we’re better or greater, or comparing us with Jesus Christ as a person or God as a thing or whatever it is. I happened to be talking to a friend and I used the word ‘Beatles’ as a remote thing – ‘Beatles’ like other people see us. I said they are having more influence on kids and things than anything else, including Jesus. I said it in that way, which was the wrong way.”

During this press conference, he also expressed a form of apology. “I’m sorry I said it – really,” he continued after being pressed by a reporter. “I never meant it to be a lousy anti-religious thing. I apologize if that will make you happy. I still don’t know quite what I’ve done. I’ve tried to tell you what I did do, but if you want me to apologize, if that will make you happy, then – OK, I’m sorry.” His attempt to clarify his position highlighted the disconnect between his intentions and how his words were interpreted.

Decades Later, The Vatican Reflects on Lennon’s Comments

Fast forward nearly 40 years later, long after the Beatles disbanded and Lennon tragically passed away, the Vatican once again revisited the matter in L’Osservatore Romano. In a reflective piece published in 2010 (as reported by The New York Times), it acknowledged the complexities of the Beatles legacy, stating, “It’s true, they took drugs; swept up by their success, they lived dissolute and uninhibited lives. But listening to their songs, all of this seems distant and meaningless. Their beautiful melodies, which changed forever pop music and still give us emotions, live on like precious jewels.”

Giovanni Maria Vian, the editor-in-chief of L’Osservatore Romano, provided further insights to The New York Times, remarking, “In reality it wasn’t that scandalous because the fascination with Jesus was so great that it attracted these new heroes of the time.” This statement reflects the ongoing cultural impact of the Beatles and the enduring discussion around their influence and the controversy that followed.

Yet, one member of the Beatles, Ringo Starr, expressed a hint of disbelief regarding the church’s change of heart. “Didn’t the Vatican say we were satanic or possibly satanic — and they’ve still forgiven us?” he remarked to CNN. “I think the Vatican, they’ve got more to talk about than the Beatles.” His comments highlight the irony of how public perception evolves and the complexities of fame.