The question was recently asked: “What does the Catholic Church teach about Freemasonry? Ever since the rise of modern Freemasonry in the early 1700s, the Catholic Church has been very outspoken in its condemnation of Masonic associations. Pope Clement XII was the first to issue a papal condemnation of Freemasonry in 1738, and his condemnation has been echoed by numerous popes throughout the past three centuries. In 1983, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, under the direction of Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger (who became Pope Benedict XVI), issued a “Declaration on Masonic Associations.” In its declaration, the Congregation stated: “The Church’s negative judgment in regard to Masonic association remains unchanged since their principles have always been considered irreconcilable with the doctrine of the Church and therefore membership in them remains forbidden. The faithful who enroll in Masonic associations are in a state of grave sin and may not receive Holy Communion.” More recently in 2023, the Vatican once again issued a statement, reiterating the firm teaching that “active membership in Freemasonry by a member of the faithful is forbidden because of the irreconcilability between Catholic doctrine and Freemasonry.”
It should be noted that many of the draws of membership in Masonic associations come from a noble desire for fellowship, improving oneself and the greater society, and serving others. Though these desires are noble in themselves, they must always find their end and fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Thus our desire for fellowship leads us to Christian fraternity, which ultimately points us towards communion with God. Our desire for “self-improvement” is really the desire for holiness that flows from our Baptism, which is fulfilled by opening ourselves up to and cooperating with the gift of God’s grace at work in our lives. The desire for service to others finds its fulfillment in true Christian charity, recognizing the presence of Christ in every person we encounter.
Those looking for an organization of men rooted in charity, unity, fraternity and patriotism should consider joining the Knights of Columbus!