Pope Francis' Fisherman's Ring: History & Destruction - Explained
Does a simple ring hold the weight of centuries of tradition and the very essence of Papal authority? The Fisherman's Ring, a seemingly modest piece of gold, is far more than just jewelry; it is a potent symbol of the Pope's office, its history as rich and complex as the papacy itself.
The image of Pope Francis's Fisherman's Ring, featured in the Vatican's guide book for the inauguration mass back in 2013, offers a glimpse into this world of symbolism. The ring itself, a gold signet ring, is unique to each pontiff and cannot be replicated, adding to its mystique. This very ring, often referred to as the "piscatory ring," or the "Ring of the Fisherman," is set to be destroyed following Pope Francis's death, as per ancient custom. Images of the Pope's hand, such as those captured during weekly general audiences in St. Peter's Basilica, further emphasize its significance. For instance, a photograph from April 3, 2013, shows the Pope conducting blessings, the ring a focal point of his hand.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jorge Mario Bergoglio |
| Born | December 17, 1936, Buenos Aires, Argentina |
| Education | Master of Arts in Chemistry, Philosophical and theological studies |
| Ordination | Ordained as a priest on December 13, 1969, in Buenos Aires |
| Episcopal Ordination | Ordained as a Bishop on June 28, 1992 |
| Cardinalate | Created Cardinal on February 21, 2001 |
| Papal Election | Elected Pope on March 13, 2013 |
| Pontificate | March 13, 2013 Present |
| Previous Positions | Archbishop of Buenos Aires (1998-2013), Cardinal |
| Notable Actions | Emphasis on mercy and social justice, reforms within the Church, outreach to marginalized communities |
| Link | Vatican Website |
The tradition of the Fisherman's Ring dates back to at least the 13th century. It wasn't merely an adornment; initially, it was used to seal papal correspondence, utilizing wax to affix it to documents. In the 15th century, the practice shifted to sealing papal briefs. By the 1800s, the ring was used to stamp these briefs, making it an integral part of the papal administrative process.
The ceremony of bestowing the ring is significant. During a papal coronation or inauguration, the Camerlengo, a high-ranking official of the Church, traditionally places the ring on the new Pope's ring finger of the right hand. In the case of Benedict XVI, the Dean of the College of Cardinals, Angelo Sodano, presented the ring, which Benedict then placed upon himself. Pope Francis, too, received his ring from Sodano at the commencement of his papacy.
As FE Online reported on April 21, 2025, at 17:02 IST, the destruction of the Fisherman's Ring is a solemn ritual that occurs after a Pope's death. The Cardinal Camerlengo, charged with overseeing the papal funeral and the subsequent conclave, is responsible for this act. The ring, along with the papal seal (bulla), is destroyed in the presence of the College of Cardinals. This destruction is a crucial measure to prevent forgery and protect the integrity of the papacy. The ring itself, bearing the image of St. Peter, along with the current Pope's name, is used as a papal seal, a key element of papal authority.
This act follows the official confirmation of the Pope's death and precedes the papal conclave, where cardinals gather to elect a new Pope. As stated, the Vatican dictates that objects tied to the ministry of St. Peter must be destroyed, a practice observed when Pope Benedict XVI stepped down in 2013. As seen in images from January 2023, Pope Francis has frequently been seen smiling and waving during his weekly general audiences. However, this act of the ring's destruction is not a mere symbolic gesture, but a practical one, designed to avoid any misuse of the Papal Seal.
The gold ring itself, referred to as the "fisherman's ring," is unique to each Pope and cannot be replicated. The iconic ring Pope Francis wore on his right hand, will be destroyed following his death. The choice of a ring is a personal one, and many popes have utilized different rings to reflect their personal styles, particularly outside of official ceremonies. Yet, the Fisherman's Ring remains the official symbol of papal authority and the exclusive property of the Pope.
The Fisherman's Ring has not been without controversy. In March 2019, Pope Francis appeared unwilling to allow his ring to be kissed, pulling back his hand from the faithful who sought to do so. Days later, he explained that it was an effort to limit the spread of germs. The ring itself has also drawn questions in the past, particularly when Francis was not wearing it during a visit to Loreto on March 25. Generally, outside of formal occasions, the Pope often wears only his episcopal ring.
In essence, the ring symbolizes a transition, a tangible representation of power and authority which must be removed at the end of a Papal reign. Tradition dictates that the ring is broken with a special hammer, signifying the end of one pontificate and the anticipation of a new one. When Benedict XVI resigned, so did his ring. The papal ring is technically an official seal, exclusive only to the Pope. And with the death of Pope Francis approaching, the world watches, knowing the ring will be broken and a new one created for the incoming Pope.
The Vatican's plans for the body of Pope Francis, announced on a Monday, included placing him in his coffin later that very night, showcasing the speed and reverence which surrounds a Papal death. Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell, who previously was appointed by Pope Francis to oversee the Papal funeral and the conclave, will be the person who destroys the ring and lead seal.
The Fisherman's Ring signifies the role and authority of the Pope within the Catholic Church. It's a small piece of gold that serves as a profound emblem of spiritual leadership and continuity.
