Was Mary Magdalene a Prostitute?

Mary Magdalene is a biblical figure who for many centuries was incorrectly equated with a sinner or prostitute. This image arose mainly from the interpretation and teaching of the Catholic Church, which, however, revised this assessment in the 20th century.

The view of Mary Magdalene as a prostitute derives from a misidentification of her character with other women described in the New Testament: the sinner who washed and anointed Jesus' feet (Luke 7:36-50), and Mary of Bethany, sister of Lazarus and Martha (John 11; John 12:1-8).

Mary Magdalene the Prostitute?

In fact, the Gospels do not describe Mary Magdalene as a prostitute. Instead, they describe her as a faithful disciple of Jesus who was present at the cross during his death (John 19:25) and was the first person to whom the Jesus appeared after the resurrection (John 20:1-18).

In 1969 Church The Catholic Church has officially rejected the idea that Mary Magdalene was a prostitute, and Pope Francis in 2016 elevated her liturgical memory to a feast day, highlighting her important location In Christianity.

This distinction is important because Mary Magdalene is a symbol of conversion and mercy for many people. The misidentification of her as a prostitute for many centuries has helped to maintain negative stereotypes and discrimination against women.