Vatican Finally Forgives Beatles

As the Vatican battles a storm of controversy over new child sex charges, officials have decided to take a moment to forgive ... the Beatles. In a stunning about-face the church has dubbed the Fab Four as "precious jewels" in a front-page article in the Vatican's newspaper, the Telegraph reports. The Beatles have long been on the Vatican's naughty list for their sex, drugs and rock-and-roll liefstyle—and John's one-time quip that the band was "more popular than Jesus." But all is apparently forgiven.

“It's true they took drugs, lived life to excess, even said they were bigger than Jesus and put out mysterious messages that were possibly Satanic," said an editorial in Osservatore Romano. “They may not have been the best example for the youth but they were by no means the worst. Their beautiful melodies changed music and continue to give pleasure.” (More Vatican stories.)