Catholic by Design > Imagine: Vatican forgives Lennon

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Imagine: Vatican forgives Lennon

Read the article / show / issue that provoked me to write a letter and my response below that or go straight to my response

Date Posted on this Site

November 25, 2008

Publication

Toronto Star

Publication Date

November 23, 2008

Published Content

The Vatican's newspaper has finally forgiven John Lennon for declaring that the Beatles were more famous than Jesus Christ, calling the remark a "boast" by a young man grappling with sudden fame.

The comment by Lennon to a London newspaper in 1966 infuriated Christians, particularly in the United States, some of whom burned Beatles' albums in huge pyres.

But time apparently heals all wounds.

"The remark by John Lennon, which triggered deep indignation mainly in the United States, after many years sounds only like a 'boast' by a young working- class Englishman faced with unexpected success, after growing up in the legend of Elvis and rock and roll," Vatican daily Osservatore Romano said.

The article, marking the 40th anniversary of the Beatles' "The White Album," went on to praise the pop band.

My Response Letter

Why the fascination with apologies from the Catholic Church? Does the Toronto Star think apologizing somehow weakens legitimacy? Never mind that the editorial in the Vatican newspaper did not mention forgiveness nor offer absolution. It was simply suggesting a charitable explanation for Lennon's remarks - remarks that the Catholic Church did not endorse or condemn when they were made in 1966. If anyone owes an apology, it is the Toronto Star for inventing news.

Jason Gennaro

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