Vatican Reiterates Ban on Catholics Joining Freemasonry

The Vatican has confirmed a ban on Catholics becoming Freemasons, citing irreconcilability between Catholic doctrine and Freemasonry. The ban comes in response to a bishop from the Philippines expressing concern over the growing number of Freemasons in his country. The Vatican's doctrinal office, with the approval of Pope Francis, stated that Catholics in Masonic associations are in a state of grave sin and may not receive Holy Communion. Freemasonry, a secretive society with an estimated global membership of up to six million, has long been viewed with hostility by the Catholic Church.