Some sources have claimed that former Pope John Paul II lifted the long-standing Vatican ban on Masonic associations. Yet, according to a 1983 declaration from what used to be called the "Holy Office of the Inquisition":

"The Church's negative judgment in regard to Masonic association remains unchanged since their principles have always been considered irreconcilable with the doctrine of the Church and therefore membership in them remains forbidden... In an audience granted to the undersigned Cardinal Prefect, the Supreme Pontiff John Paul II approved and ordered the publication of this Declaration..."

-- Declaration on Masonic Associations, 26-Nov-1983

Note that the "Cardinal Prefect" of the office at the time was Cardinal Ratzinger, who is now Pope Benedict XVI.