'Gospel of Jesus' Wife' papyrus fragment 'not a modern forgery'

Researchers have dispelled the rumours about the 'Gospel of Jesus' Wife' being a modern forgery.

The paper published by the researchers said that the controversial document suggesting that Jesus of Nazareth had a wife is most likely ancient.

The papyrus fragment, which was discovered in 2012, includes the phrase "Jesus said to them, 'My wife...'." It also mentions that "she will be able to be my disciple," which led some to question whether women should be allowed to become Catholic priests, the Verge reported.

The Vatican has previously dispelled the authenticity of the document, saying that it was most likely a modern forgery, but scientists from Columbia University, Harvard, and the MIT say that their analysis suggested that the fragment was indeed a part of an ancient manuscript and that it wasn't edited or tampered with.

Micro-Raman and infrared spectroscopy was used to analyze the composition of the ink and to look for clues as to whether it could have been applied after the original document was damaged.

The paper has been published in the Harvard Theological Review.