VATICAN CITY — The Vatican has finally made peace with the Beatles, saying their drug use, "dissolute" lives and even the claim that the band was bigger than Jesus are all in the past — while their music lives on.

Vatican newspaper L'Osservatore Romano paid tribute to the Fab Four in its weekend editions, with two articles and a front-page cartoon reproducing the crosswalk immortalized on the cover of the band's album "Abbey Road."

The tribute marked the 40th anniversary of the band's breakup.

"It's true, they took drugs; swept up by their success, they lived dissolute and uninhibited lives," said the paper. "They even said they were more famous than Jesus," it said, recalling John Lennon's 1966 comment that outraged many Catholics and others.

"But, listening to their songs, all of this seems distant and meaningless," L'Osservatore said. "Their beautiful melodies, which changed forever pop music and still give us emotions, live on like precious jewels."

It is not the first time the Vatican has praised the legendary band from Liverpool.

Two years ago, Vatican media hailed the Beatles' musical legacy on the 40th anniversary of the "White Album." And last month the Vatican paper included "Revolver" in its semiserious list of top-10 albums.

Now, L'Osservatore says that the Beatles' songs have stood the test of time, and that the band remains "the longest-lasting, most consistent and representative phenomenon in the history of pop music."

Giovanni Maria Vian, the editor in chief of L'Osservatore Romano, said Monday that he loves the Beatles.

He said that at the time of Lennon's sensational statement, Osservatore "commented that in reality it wasn't that scandalous, because the fascination with Jesus was so great that it attracted these new heroes of the time."

http://www.cnn.com/2010/SHOWBIZ/04/12/ringo.starr.vatican.beatles/index.html?hpt...

Ringo's thought's about it.  I agree with him.  Seems Rome has much more to worry about than forgiving the Beatles.

gimmekeef wrote on Apr 14^th, 2010 at 7:16am:


It's hard to believe that charging the Pope might be worse for business than the child molestation charges, but that could be the reason.  People in a position to take steps may have too many skeletons in their own closets.  I'm sorry that doing the right thing has become such a muddled, difficult step to take.  If I were a member of the Catholic Church I would withhold further tithing until the necessary house cleaning takes place.

I'm reading a book called "Lost Boy".  The author is Brent Jeffs (nephew of Warren Jeffs).  What a nightmare cult THAT is.  At least Creepy Warren is behind bars.

Ginda wrote on Apr 14^th, 2010 at 10:36am:


I agree with you completely Ginda.
While I know that not all Priests are pedophiles, I am having a very difficult time bringing myself to attend services these days.
I guess I will always be a Catholic in my heart; but the Vatican and THIS Pope in particular is a disgrace.

LJ.

I would imagine not....

Jesus Christ wrote on Apr 14^th, 2010 at 11:22am:


Funny you should mention cheesing people off with words, JC.  I was recently taken to task for using the word "besmirch".  This happened in a response I'd posted on my local paper's website.  I wasn't trying to go all hoity toity on them...but apparently the gent I was responding to was sick of my highfalutin' lingo.

I must learn how to break down posts around here.

LadyJane wrote on Apr 14^th, 2010 at 11:37am:


I don't know if it is possible, even if you had the desire, but if you do... go to the services, talk to the priests and other memebers, and let them allknow how you feel... save your churches, take them back, do not abandon them... easier said then done, i nkow... but the people are the church, not the higher ups... even though they think they are....