On his last day as U.S. President, Joe Biden was made an honorary member of the African American Freemason Society, Prince Hall Freemasonry. This is surprising, considering Biden’s strong Catholic identity, as the Catholic Church explicitly forbids its members from joining such secretive societies.
Victor C. Major, the Grand Master of the South Carolina branch, proudly announced that Biden had been awarded the Master Degree “with all honors,” recognizing his “outstanding services” to the U.S. Major described Freemasonry as a brotherhood devoted to personal growth, service, and the pursuit of truth. He added that Biden’s presidency reflected the core values of the Prince Hall Freemasons, including brotherly love and service to others, claiming Biden had greatly benefited the American people.
However, Biden’s membership puts him at odds with the Catholic Church. The Vatican has consistently stated that Freemasonry is incompatible with Catholic doctrine, banning active membership for believers. In fact, a letter from the Vatican’s doctrinal department in 2023 reaffirmed this stance.
While this could technically lead to excommunication for Biden, most experts believe the Church is unlikely to take such a drastic step. Still, this move raises questions about Biden’s longstanding Catholic identity and his involvement with the controversial Freemason group.
