In November, the Argentina Great Lodge confirmed decades-long rumors: they had evidence that Juan Domingo Perón and Raúl Alfonsín, two of Argentina’s most important presidents, were freemasons. 

The revelation sparked a flurry of new questions about this secretive organization and their rituals, from the symbols they use (think of the compass or the “All Seeing Eye,” which is featured on the U.S. dollar) to the employment of secret handshakes in order to recognize each other. 

The disclosure that two political leaders from bitterly opposed parties were able to peacefully coexist within masonry, however, also allowed the lodge to showcase how they envision their new role of “promoting tolerance.”

Freemasons have been a part of Argentine history pretty much since the country came into existence. Of the nine men who formed the first government in 1810, eight were masons. 

So were nation-builders from José de San Martín and Manuel Belgrano to Bartolomé Mitre, Leandro Alem, and Domingo Sarmiento.

A fraternal organization made up only of men, freemasons can trace their origins back to the 14th century. They organize themselves into groups known as lodges, devoted to topics such as politics, history, and education. Groups of lodges form Great Lodges. 

The Great Lodge of Argentina of the Free and Accepted Masons describes itself as a “philanthropic, philosophical, and progressive society” dedicated to “morally and intellectually perfecting people.”

Freemasons have been the subject of controversy due to their traditionally secret membership, which they describe today as “discreet.” 

This has led to accusations of potential elitism and nepotism, as critics argue that secretism has no place in public affairs and can lead to unfair advantages in the workplace as well as within institutions. Their secular nature has also led to fierce battles with the Catholic Church and accusations that they are anti-religion.

In this interview, Argentine Grand Master Pablo Lázaro, the institution’s main authority in the country, goes over the........

© Buenos Aires Herald