April 14, 2010 10:02

Vatican finally forgives The Beatles over 'bigger than Jesus' comment

Catholic Church let's John Lennon's 1966 comment go

Photo Gallery: The Beatles

The Vatican has finally forgiven The Beatles after John Lennon claimed the band were "bigger than Jesus" in 1966.

An article in the official Vatican newspaper, L'Osservatore Romano, praised the group, saying that due to the beauty of their songs the Jesus comment was "meaningless".

"It's true, they took drugs; swept up by their success, they lived dissolute and uninhibited lives," the article reads. "They even said they were more famous than Jesus. But, listening to their songs, all of this seems distant and meaningless."

The article adds: "Their beautiful melodies, which changed forever pop music and still give us emotions, live on like precious jewels." The band were described as "the longest-lasting, most consistent and representative phenomenon in the history of pop music".