Clemens XII

Clemens XII, born Lorenzo Corsini in 1652, was Pope from 1730 until his death in 1740. He is best known for his papal bull of 1738, which condemned Freemasonry and labeled it a threat to the Catholic Church and its teachings. This decree solidified the Church's opposition to Freemasonry, declaring all Freemasons excommunicated, a stance that would be upheld by subsequent popes. His reign also included efforts to address issues within the Church and to promote various religious and cultural initiatives.