Abelardo de la Espriella apologizes for religious acts at inauguration

Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella issued a public apology following a judicial order regarding the religious nature of his August 7 inauguration ceremony in Cali. The apology comes after a ruling by the Fifth Labor Court of the Bogotá Circuit, which determined that the inclusion of religious elements during the official ceremony violated the constitutional principle of state religious neutrality.

The ceremony included an "invocation and praise" segment featuring a rabbi, a Catholic priest, and an evangelical pastor, as well as religious symbols such as an image of the Virgin of Fatima. A legal challenge (tutela) filed by citizen Omar Alberto Franco Becerra argued these acts infringed upon rights to freedom of conscience and worship.

During his televised address, De la Espriella stated, “If this act could generate discomfort or if it offended anyone, in my capacity as Head of State, I offer apologies for it.” While emphasizing his respect for the separation of Church and State and his commitment to guaranteeing religious freedom for all citizens, the President also reaffirmed his personal Catholic faith, concluding his speech with the exclamation, “Long live Christ the King!” (¡Viva Cristo Rey!).