Pope Francis Rejects Appointment of ‘Masonic’ Lebanese Ambassador
Photo: Pope Francis exchanges gifts with Prime Minister of Lebanon Saad Hariri during a private audience at the Vatican, October 13, 2017 – REUTERS In an infrequent exercise of his diplomatic veto, Pope Francis has reportedly rejected the recently named Lebanese Ambassador to the Holy See, allegedly on the grounds that he is a member of the Masonic Lodge. According to the Italian daily, Il Messaggero, Pope Francis informed Lebanese PM Saad Hariri during his visit to the Vatican last week that Johnny Ibrahim, who currently serves as Lebanon’s general consul in Los Angeles, was an unacceptable candidate for Ambassador to the Holy See, given his affiliation with Freemasonry. (Link)
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Though infrequent, the Vatican has occasionally vetoed diplomatic appointees to the Holy See, usually on moral grounds.
In 2015, the Holy See reportedly rejected the appointment by French President François Hollande of an openly gay Catholic man as French Ambassador to the Holy See.
Laurent Stefanini, Hollande’s chief of protocol, received the nomination to serve as ambassador to the Vatican in January, 2015, but nine months later the Vatican had still not accepted his credentials—a procedure that normally takes just weeks. France eventually gave up on the appointment and instead named Philippe Zeller to the post, a move that was immediately embraced by the Vatican.
Because he was a Freemason?
I wonder if the Pope is aware of the fact that its now 2017...?
I don't know too much about Freemasonry. I read the Da Vinci Code a long time ago, but don't remember too much about it.
I was up in New York a while back visiting friends. One of them lived near a big Masonic building, and when I asked about it (I had thought it was some sort of secret cult) she said that they gave guided tours. So we went.
It was quite fascinating. Inside many of the rooms were quite ornate. They also had pictures iof many famous Masons n the halls . If I remember correctly, there were a lot of members were very famous Americans-- including several presidents I believe (?). Also a lot of very famous people in variousother fields-- in the present and going way back in history.
The impression I got was what the Masons do is primarily help people-- for example help in hurricane relief, etc.
I had known that the Church is opposed to Freemasonary. Also, in much of the Muslim world they also feel its a dangerous organization.
(My guess would be that any organized group like the Masons is probably be seen as a threat to organozatios like The Church. Not really because of a difference of philosophy (as they probably claim), but rather because the Church would see it as "competition".
I having trouble inserting pictures on NT tonight-- so here is a link to some good photos: https://www.google.com/search?q=mason+lodge+nyc&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjstpDow4jXAhVHOCYKHQF9AmwQ_AUIDCgD&biw=1440&bih=720#imgrc=3Ad6FX8CPwTnFM: