The political and religious panorama in Colombia is under strong tension after President Gustavo Petro’s speech during the reopening of the San Juan de Dios Hospital on January 27.
What should have been an administrative act became a national controversy when the president launched a series of theological statements about the intimate life of Jesus Christ.
During his intervention, Petro assured that Jesus had a relationship with Mary Magdalene, stating: “I believe that Jesus made love, yes, maybe with Mary Magdalene.”
This personal belief of the head of state, expressed in an official setting, unleashed an earthquake of criticism from various sectors that consider his words as misinformation without historical support.
Politicians such as former Minister Wilson Ruiz and Councilman Andrés Barrios described the statements as irresponsible and a direct offense to the faith of millions of citizens.
Also read: The light is back! EPM repaired the damage in Los Balsos and Los Naranjos, but Alto de Las Palmas continues without power
President Petro argued his position by pointing out that “such a man, without love, could not exist”, and compared the intelligence of Jesus with that of contemporary figures, criticizing those whom he called “mastodons of muscle.”
The most forceful institutional response came from the Episcopal Conference of Colombia. Through a statement, the Catholic hierarchy recalled that the Constitution and the law oblige public officials to respect the religious beliefs of citizens and not to interfere in theological concepts.
For its part, the Evangelical Confederation of Colombia (Cedecol) also expressed its “deep concern”pointing out that Petro’s words distort the biblical truth that presents Jesus as ‘a whole being and obedient to divine purpose.’
Historians and academics have intervened in the debate to clarify that there is no solid evidence to validate a romantic relationship.
Meanwhile, the beliefs of Colombians remain at the center of the debate, with urgent calls for the president to keep the dignity of his office away from religious provocations.
More news from Colombia