The Gospel of Mary Magdalene: Suppression, Recovery, and Editorial Reconstruction

The Gospel of Mary, a Gnostic work from the second century featuring Mary Magdalene, is primarily preserved in the 5th-century Berlin Codex. It narrates the soul's journey through various realms governed by archons, prioritizing knowledge over traditional doctrines. Following a vision, Mary conveys Jesus's teachings but encounters opposition from Peter, who is supported by Andrew and Levi. The text concludes abruptly during a debate. Excluded from the New Testament canon by figures such as Irenaeus (c. AD 180), Tertullian, and the Council of Nicaea (AD 325), it faced deterioration and restricted availability. Acquired by Carl Reinhardt in Cairo in 1896, it was first published in 1955. In 2016, Pope Francis designated July 22 as a Feast Day for Mary Magdalene.