Two Masonic stores expressed their regret and sadness for the death today of Pope Francis, recalling the appeal of dialogue and sharing made in August 2023 on the World Youth Day in Lisbon.
In a statement, regular Freemasonry, represented exclusively by the Grand Regular Store of Portugal/Grande Legal Store of Portugal, expressed “its immense regret for the death of its holiness Pope Francis, thus joining the mourning of all thousands of millions of Catholics around the world”.
In the press release, regular Freemasonry joined in condolences “those who, even more than and regardless of their profession of faith, opened their hearts to a unique person in the transcendence of shared love.”
Alluding to the “misunderstanding of the Catholic Church on Freemasonry – from the programmatic and dogmatic point of view – that in the Vatican he lasts today”, that Masonic store considered that “it is essential to underline that it was thanks to its holiness – in the universal statement of the comprehensive phrase of ‘all, all, all’” that “was given a clear sign in the sense of the same way by all humans willingness to build a better world ”.
The statement ends with the desire for “every Freemason” that the “energy of his holiness Pope Francis continues to cheer up the planet with his love and wisdom … for a more solidary and, above all, more human.”
Also the sovereign Great Chapter of the Knights Rosa-Cruz 1804 of Portugal-Great General Chapter of the Modern or French Rite, independent Masonic power lamented the death of Pope Francis.
In a statement, Rose-Cruz considered that “its leadership, marked by humility, compassion and a profound commitment to the most vulnerable, leaves an indelible legacy, not only in the Catholic Church, but around the world, regardless of citizens’ religious creeds, wherever they are.”
“Throughout his pontificate, Pope Francis has inspired millions of people, transcending religious borders, with his message of hope, mercy and social justice. His voice, firm in defense of dialogue and peace, echoed in every corner of the planet, appealing to unity and solidarity among peoples,” he said.
In the statement, the Masonic Lodge “gratefully recalls its tireless work for the integral ecology, the defense of human rights and the promotion of a more inclusive church and close to their faithful, as well as all men and all women, namely those who suffer the scourge of hunger, misery and war.”
“Your example of simplicity and service will remain forever in our memories. At this time of mourning, we express our most sincere condolences to the Catholic Church, their faithful and all those who have been touched by their presence and their words,” they also write.
The press release ends with the desire that “the next pontiff is a wise continuator of Jorge Mario Bergoglio’s work.”
