Thanks, Vatican

Vatican forgives John Lennon for Jesus quip - MSNBC

"The remark by John Lennon, which triggered deep indignation mainly in the United States, after many years sounds only like a 'boast' by a young working-class Englishman faced with unexpected success, after growing up in the legend of Elvis and rock and roll," Vatican daily Osservatore Romano said.

The article, marking the 40th anniversary of the Beatles' "The White Album," went on to praise the pop band.

"The fact remains that 38 years after breaking up, the songs of the Lennon-McCartney brand have shown an extraordinary resistance to the passage of time, becoming a source of inspiration for more than one generation of pop musicians," it said.

Way to go, Vatican. Too bad he's already dead. But nevermind, Yoko will gladly accept on John's behalf. What's next, I wonder? Maybe they'll finally forgive Madonna for that whole "having sex with a cross" thing.