The Bishop has written to the Clergy of the Diocese drawing our attention to a recent document from Rome signed by Cardinal Victor Fernandéz, Prefect of the Dicastery for The Doctrine of the Faith and approved by Pope Francis. This document reaffirms Freemasonry as being a proscribed organisation for Catholics and membership carries the penalty of excommunication. This prohibition dates back to Pope Clement XII, who formally condemned it in a Papal Bull of 1738. For further information please see: