The Pope Endorses The Blues Brothers

Former Member

Apparently, it is a "catholic classic". Whatever that means

The Vatican has sung the praises of 30-year-old cult musical comedy The Blues Brothers and dubbed it a "Catholic classic".


On a mission from God: Elwood (Aykroyd) and Jake (Belushi)

The movie starred John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd as siblings Jake and Elwood Blues, who famously insist they are "on a mission from God".

It appears the Vatican's official newspaper L'Osservatore Romano has taken them at their word with a front page headline reading: ''The Blues Brothers on a mission from God (and the cinema).''

The paper insisted the 1980 film was ''memorable'' and ''incredible'' and should be recommended viewing for Catholics everywhere.

The Blues Brothers follows ex-convict Jake and Elwood's bid to save a Catholic orphanage from closure by organising a money-making concert.


Vatican insists The Blues Brothers is a "Catholic classic"

As the brothers reform their band, they are targeted by a destructive ''mystery woman'', neo-Nazis and a Country and Western band - all while being relentlessly pursued by the police.

The movie also features performances from music greats like James Brown, Aretha Franklin, Cab Calloway, Ray Charles and John Lee Hooker.

L'Osservatore said the film was clearly Catholic from several clues, like the "opening scenes which focus on a framed photograph of a young and strong Pope John Paul II".

It continued that the brothers try to save the orphans ''without departing (too much) from the values conveyed by" the orphanage's Sister Mary Stigmata "and despite some transgressions".

The paper also highlighted that the brothers decide to help after Jake has an ''enlightenment'' in a Baptist church, during a sermon by Reverend Cleophus James - played by Soul legend Brown.


A sermon by Brown 'enlightened' Jake Blues

It added how Elwood even "shunned the attentions of a fascinating young lady (played by model Twiggy) on his mission for God".

The Blues Brothers movie grossed more than £77m.

Two years after its release, Belushi was found dead aged just 33, following a drink and drugs binge at a Hollywood hotel.

The Vatican has recently been attempting to embrace popular culture by praising The Beatles, The Simpsons and Harry Potter.

In 1995, to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the cinema, the Vatican issued a top 45 films.

It included Ben Hur, Chariots of Fire, The Wizard of Oz and the classic Ealing comedy The Lavender Hill Mob.