Pope Francis was undoubtedly one of the most disruptive and progressive figures within the Catholic Church. But even in death, he continues to stir controversy. One of the most talked-about conspiracy theories is the idea that the late pontiff was secretly a Freemason infiltrated in the Vatican.
The Roots of the Theory: Jesuits vs. Freemasons
Before we dive into the core of the theory, it’s important to remember that Pope Francis was a member of the Society of Jesus, more commonly known as the Jesuits. Historically, Jesuits and Freemasons have had tense relations, with deep ideological clashes over the centuries.
The Viral Image That Sparked It All
The theory that Pope Francis was a Freemason gained traction because of a photograph taken in 2008 by Argentinian photojournalist Pablo Leguizamón. At the time, Francis was still known as Jorge Mario Bergoglio, the Archbishop of Buenos Aires, and the image shows him riding the subway—dressed in black, and notably, with his right hand tucked inside his coat over his chest.
It’s this hand gesture that caught the attention of conspiracy theorists.
A Sign of Initiation?
According to Masonic symbolism enthusiasts, hiding your hand in that particular position is part of the initiation ritual for the Royal Arch degree—an advanced rank in Freemasonry after the degrees of Apprentice, Fellowcraft, and Master Mason. By that logic, the photograph was seen as “proof” that Bergoglio was undergoing an initiation to become a Master Mason.
Historical figures like Napoleon Bonaparte and Joseph Stalin have also been photographed with this same pose, although there’s never been conclusive evidence tying them to Freemasonry.
Interestingly, Pope Francis only mentioned Freemasons twice during his papacy—in 2013 and 2015—and both times he did so with open disdain. He reportedly referred to them as “greedy politicians” and even “the black beast.” After that, he never spoke publicly about them again, which some now interpret as a calculated move to avoid suspicion.
In 2017, Nicolás Orlando Breglia, the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Argentina, claimed that for a religion so rooted in dogma, Freemasons are seen as a threat for not believing in absolute truths.
Looking back at Pope Francis’ papacy, this idea resonates. His efforts to modernize the Church, push for inclusivity, and challenge some traditional doctrines were praised by progressives and criticized by conservatives. Could that be part of the reason some believe he wasn’t just trying to reform the Church—but transform it entirely?
We may never know for sure whether Pope Francis was part of the Freemasons or not. The man behind the photo has always claimed Bergoglio was simply reaching into his pocket. Still, the image—and the speculation—are now forever part of the conspiracy theory canon.
This article was originally written in Spanish by Fernando Eslava in Cultura Colectiva.
