(Photo: AFP)BOGOTA - A claim by Colombia’s left-wing president that Jesus “made love” to disciple Mary Magdalene has shocked the country’s many Christians, with the faithful urging him to show respect on Friday. During a recent speech, Gustavo Petro claimed that a man like Jesus “could not exist without love” and that he “died surrounded by women who loved him, and there were many”. Petro insisted that Jesus “made love”, “perhaps with Mary Magdalene” — one of his disciples. Another Bogota Christian, Victor Pardo, told AFP the comments were “not appropriate for the president”. The controversy has ignited national debate in a country where religious identity remains strong and statements about Jesus carry significant cultural weight.

Source: Bangkok Post January 30, 2026 21:05 UTC