In a recent announcement, the Vatican has reaffirmed its ban on Catholics joining the Freemasons, citing concerns over the irreconcilability between Catholic doctrine and Freemasonry. The Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, led by Cardinal Victor Fernandéz and approved by Pope Francis, responded to a query from Bishop Julito Cortes of Dumanguete in the Philippines, who expressed concerns about the increasing number of Freemasonry members in his diocese. The dicastery's response outlined two approaches to address this issue.

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Vatican confirms ban on Catholics becoming Freemasons

The Vatican has confirmed a ban on Catholics becoming Freemasons, a centuries-old secretive society that the Catholic Church has long viewed with hostility and has an estimated global…

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First, it emphasized the doctrinal level and reiterated that active membership in Freemasonry by a member of the faithful is prohibited based on the 1983 Declaration of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith on Masonic Associations. This declaration highlights the irreconcilability between Catholic doctrine and Freemasonry and applies to both laypeople and clerics affiliated with Freemasonry. Second, the dicastery recommended a pastoral response, suggesting that the bishops of the Philippines undertake a popular catechesis in all parishes to educate the faithful on the reasons behind the irreconcilability between the Catholic faith and Freemasonry.

Additionally, the bishops are encouraged to consider making a public pronouncement on this topic. The ban on Catholics joining the Freemasons is not new. The 1983 Code of Canon Law replaced the previous Code published in 1917, which explicitly condemned Freemasonry and imposed excommunication for its members. While the new Code does not contain such explicit condemnation, the 1983 Declaration signed by Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger reaffirmed that Catholics affiliated with Masonic lodges are "in a state of grave sin." Freemasonry, known for its secretive nature and rituals, has often been linked to conspiracy theories and has been viewed with suspicion by the Catholic Church. The society boasts a worldwide membership estimated to be around six million.

Despite some claiming it as an ancient covert society, the United Grand Lodge of England characterizes modern Freemasonry as one of the oldest social and charitable organizations, emphasizing fellowship and fraternity among members. The Vatican's recent communication regarding Catholic participation in Freemasonry confirms the Church's long-standing stance on the incompatibility between Catholic doctrine and Freemasonry. This ban aims to uphold Catholic teachings and prevent Catholics from engaging in activities deemed contrary to the faith.