The Vatican has reiterated its position on the Catholic Church’s stance towards Freemasonry, emphasizing that it remains forbidden for Catholics to join Masonic lodges. This reaffirmation came in response to a request from Bishop Dom Julito Cortes of Dumaguete in the Philippines, who expressed his concerns about the increasing number of Catholics in his diocese affiliating themselves with Masonry.
In a response dated November 13, 2023, signed by Mayor Victor Fernandéz and blessed by Pope Francis, the Dicastério for the Doctrine of Faith clarified the Church’s position on this matter. The Dicastério, in consultation with the Episcopal Conference of the Philippines, highlighted the need for a coordinated strategy to address the issue.
The first approach proposed by the Dicastério is theological in nature. It emphasizes that according to the Declaration of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith in 1983, as well as the Directives published by the Conference of Bishops in 2003, Catholics are forbidden from actively affiliating with the Masonic Lodge. This prohibition applies not only to lay faithful but also to clergy members.
The Dicastério further explains that those who are formally and consciously registered in Masonic societies, and have embraced Masonic principles, are considered to be in violation of this prohibition. These individuals fall within the scope of the above-mentioned Declaration and the associated consequences. The Church views their affiliation with Masonry as a grave sin that is incompatible with the Catholic faith.
The second strategy proposed by the Dicastério is pastoral in nature. It recommends that all Filipino parish priests conduct popular catechesis to educate the faithful about the reasons for the incompatibility between the Catholic faith and Masonic rituals. The goal is to provide a clear understanding of the theological and moral concerns associated with affiliating with Masonry. The Dicastério also suggests that the bishops prayerfully consider issuing a public statement to address this matter.
The prohibition on Catholics joining Masonic lodges has a long history within the Catholic Church. The 1983 Declaration was published on the eve of the new Code of Canon Law and replaced the previous 1917 Code. Some observers noted that the new Code did not contain an explicit condemnation of Freemasonry or the excommunication of its members, which were present in the old text. However, the 1983 Declaration, signed by Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger and approved by Pope John Paul II, reaffirmed the Church’s position that Catholics affiliated with Masonic lodges are committing a grave sin.
The Catholic Church takes a firm stand on this matter due to its theological concerns. Freemasonry is viewed as incompatible with the teachings and doctrines of the Church. By reaffirming the prohibition on Catholics joining Masonic lodges, the Vatican aims to protect the faithful from any conflicts between their faith and Masonic rituals.
In conclusion, the Vatican has made it clear that Catholics are forbidden from actively affiliating with the Masons. This prohibition applies to both lay Catholics and clergy members. The Church emphasizes the need for a coordinated strategy to address the increasing number of Catholics affiliating with Masonry in the Philippines. Through theological and pastoral approaches, the Church aims to educate and guide the faithful in understanding the incompatibility between the Catholic faith and Masonic rituals. By emphasizing that such affiliation is a grave sin, the Vatican seeks to ensure that Catholics remain faithful to their religious beliefs.
