Enlightened?

On May 1, 1776, the former Catholic priest (?) and professor at the university in Ingolstadt in Bavaria, Adam Weishaupt, founded the Illuminati group, which was financed by international bankers. The Illuminati were mentioned as far back as the 15th century as a group of Gnostics, and their activities were destroyed by the Inquisition. Weishaupt’s plan was to control the ruling structures in most countries, and it was feared that he wanted to totally destroy the Catholic Church and all of its foundations. (If you haven't read it, I'm sure you'll see Dan Brown's "Angels & Demons" movie that is in the making with Tom Hanks) .
They are considered ideological founders of the new world order.
It is not certain this secret society managed to keep tradition today, even though many societies have used their name. I goes all the way to presidential circles.
Here is a little somethin' about them.