Apostolic Letter condemning Secret Societies. Insisting on the obligation of the Pontiffs to protect the faithful and alarmed by the growth of the sect called "Freemasons," Clement XII in his Constitution "In Eminenti" of April 28, 1738 had condemned them. When some claimed that the bull had lost its effect at the death of Clement, his successor, Benedict XIV, had issued another dated Mar. 18, 1751 "Providas" confirming that of Clement XII, which Leo quotes. Leo classifies as the chief of these freemasons the Carbonari, who had been condemned by Pius VII in his bull, "Ecclesiam Jesu Christi" of Sept. 13, 1821, in which he accused them of being against the Church and civil authority. Leo XII, has seen the growth of these societies, including those in universities and having seen their publications, he asks all Catholics not to join or aid in any way these societies under pain of excommunication. Under the same penalty they are obliged to report those who have joined such societies. Their chief evil of these societies is their secret oath against all other authority. He quotes the letter of Clement XII of Sept. 12, 1738. Leo calls on Catholic princes, towards whom he feels affection, to come to his aid in this matter. Quoting the words of Leo the Great, because the cause of religion is so closely united to that of society that they are no longer separable. While Leo begs that the members of these societies be not allowed civil honors, he calls upon the members of these societies to return to the Church. For them the obligation of denouncing is deferred for one year. Witnessed by Cardinal B. Bartholomew Pacca as prosecretary, D. Testa for Cardinal Albani, and Caprano as substitute. Translation unidentified In Detroit Papers. :: III-2-f Translation 11pp. 4to., 3