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Today in History: Sinéad O'Connor Tears Pope Photo on TV

By Drooid · Oct 3, 2026, 10:33 AM UTC · How we work

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Story summary

On October 3 1992, Irish singer-songwriter Sinéad O’Connor appeared on Saturday Night Live and, while performing Bob Marley’s “War,” ripped a photograph of Pope John Paul II, declared “fight the real enemy,” and tossed the fragments on the studio floor, protesting the Catholic Church’s abuse.

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Story summary

On October 3 1992, Irish singer-songwriter Sinéad O’Connor appeared on Saturday Night Live and, while performing Bob Marley’s “War,” ripped a photograph of Pope John Paul II, declared “fight the real enemy,” and tossed the fragments on the studio floor, protesting the Catholic Church’s abuse.