The Vatican has given a big fat thumbs up to the Blues Brothers, the 30-year-old movie that saw John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd outwit cops, Illinois Nazis and ex-girlfriends to save a Catholic orphanage.

Pope Benedict's in-house magazine L'Osservatore Romano has declared the film a "Catholic Classic" which should be recommended viewing for Papists everywhere.

Some media sources seem to be surprised at the decision, with the Telegraph pointing out lines such as "Curtis, I don't want to listen to no jive-ass preacher talking to me about Heaven and Hell."

The preacher in question, played by one James Brown, is an evangelical. Of course good Catholics wouldn't want to listen to some splitter talking theological matters.

In fact, a quick trot through the movie clearly shows its Catholic credentials.

The Blues Brothers starts with Jake's release from prison, highlighting themes of sin, forgiveness and redemption.

They visit their old Catholic orphanage only to be told by the mother superior that it is to be closed due to a tax bill - referencing the Gospel exhortation to give unto Caesar what is Caesar's.

They then swear in front a nun and are beaten for their trouble - an advert for Catholic education.

Throughout they declare themselves on a mission from God, and clearly enjoy divine protection as they miraculously escape car crashes, rocket attacks and a really angry Aretha Franklin.

Lastly, they dress in black, drink too much, swear and sing. They are clearly traditional neighbourhood Catholic priests. It's incredible that the rest of the world has taken 30 years to catch on. ®