“We announce with deep sorrow the passing of our beloved Sinead. Her family and friends are devastated and have asked for privacy during this profoundly difficult time,” stated the singer’s family, as quoted by Irish national broadcaster RTE on Wednesday.”
Sinead O’Connor’s shaved head, pained expression, and shapeless wardrobe were seen as a direct challenge to popular culture’s traditional views of femininity and sexuality, inspiring many young women. The gifted singer bravely spoke about her battles with mental health, particularly after being diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Tragically, her teenage son Shane passed away by suicide in 2022.
Stance against the Catholic Church
Sinead O’Connor was outspoken about her political stance against the Catholic Church. She made headlines when she ripped up a photo of Pope John Paul II during a television appearance on “Saturday Night Live” in October 1992. Throughout the years, she called for a thorough investigation into the church’s role in concealing child abuse by clergy.
In 2010, when Pope Benedict XVI apologized to Ireland for decades of abuse, O’Connor criticized the apology for not going far enough and urged Catholics to boycott Mass until there was a full investigation into the Vatican’s role, which later garnered international attention in 2018.
Despite her stance against the Catholic Church, O’Connor clarified that her beliefs in God remained intact. She mentioned being Catholic by birth and culture but hoped for sincere reconciliation from the Vatican.
Accepted Islam
However, in 2018, she converted to Islam, taking the name Shuhada Sadaqat, while still performing as Sinead O’Connor. She expressed finding a sense of belonging and realization in Islam, describing it as a mindset rather than a mere label.