Abelardo de la Espriella reaffirms faith following judicial apology order

Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella has complied with a judicial order to apologize on national television for religious invocations made during his inauguration, though he did so while reaffirming his Catholic faith. A judge in Bogotá had ruled that his previous remarks violated the religious neutrality of the state. While apologizing “if he offended anyone,” De la Espriella concluded his televised address by proclaiming, “Vive le Christ Roi!” (Long live Christ the King!).

The President maintained that while he respects the separation of church and state, his actions are protected by constitutional guarantees regarding the freedom to profess religion. This legal dispute followed a challenge by opposition politician Omar Alberto Franco Becerra.

In a separate development, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed support for De la Espriella’s presidency from the White House. Trump characterized the new Colombian leader as a strong figure for the region and noted the geopolitical shift toward conservative leadership in Latin America. The administration indicated an intention to strengthen security cooperation with Bogotá to combat drug trafficking networks.