The Pope’s Signet Ring: Tradition and Symbolism Behind Its Ceremonial Destruction

The Fisherman’s Ring, a papal insignia dating back to the 13th century, holds deep symbolic significance in Catholic tradition. Named after St. Petera fisherman and, according to Catholic belief, the first pope it was a prominent accessory during Pope Francis’s 12-year pontificate, often attracting reverent gestures from devoted followers.

The Fisherman’s Ring is placed on Pope Francis’ finger during his inaugural mass at the Vatican on March 19, 2013. Stefano Rellandini/Reuters

Following established protocol, the late pontiff’s signet ring will be ceremonially defaced within Vatican walls after his passing on Easter Monday. This ritual has practical historical origins: traditionally, the Fisherman’s Ring and a pendant called the bulla served as official seals for papal correspondence.

“It’s equivalent to removing login credentials from a social media account,” explained Christopher Lamb, CNN’s Vatican correspondent. “The purpose was to prevent potential document forgery using false seals.”

Historically, the Camerlengoa senior cardinal overseeing papal transitionswould destroy the ring and bulla in the College of Cardinals’ presence. While this practice continued long after mechanical stamps replaced the seals in the mid-19th century, Pope Benedict XVI introduced a nuanced approach: carving a deep cross into the ring’s surface instead of complete destruction.

The ring’s significance has varied considerably between pontiffs. Some, like Benedict XVI, wore it daily, while others like John Paul II used alternative symbolic jewelry. Francis adopted a moderate approach, wearing the ring during official ceremonies but switching to a simple silver ring for everyday use.

Pope Benedict XVI wearing his Fisherman’s Ring during a meeting of religious leaders in London in 2010, less than three years before he became the first ever pope to resign.

Interestingly, Francis’s relationship with the ring’s traditional veneration was complex. In 2019, he was observed discouraging followers from kissing his ring, with the Vatican citing hygienic concerns. Lamb noted that Francis preferred more personal interactions, prioritizing direct engagement over formal ritualistic gestures.

Throughout centuries, Fisherman’s Rings have predominantly featured Saint Peter and the Holy See’s keys, symbolizing his heavenly mandate. Their designs have typically reflected contemporary artistic styles and individual papal preferences.

Francis notably diverged from tradition by using a “recycled” ring previously owned by Archbishop Pasquale Macchi, Paul VI’s secretary. Made of gold-plated silver, this choice epitomized the pope’s commitment to modesty.

Pope Francis, pictured here at St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, often opted for a smaller, less ornate silver ring dating from his time as a cardinal.

The ring’s ultimate fate following the upcoming papal conclave remains uncertain, reflecting the secretive nature of this ecclesiastical process.

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