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Reason Pope Francis’ Ring Will Be Destroyed Following His Death
There’s an important reason why Pope Francis’ ring will be destroyed after his death.
For centuries, the Fisherman’s Ring has stood as a powerful symbol of papal authority and tradition.
Worn by each pontiff upon their election, this ornate ring bears a deep connection to Saint Peter – the apostle believed to be the first pope and a humble fisherman by trade.
Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday at the age of 88, wore his Fisherman’s Ring during ceremonial occasions throughout his 12-year papacy.
Revered by many, the ring was frequently kissed by the faithful, although it once stirred debate over health concerns.
Following tradition, the ring will be defaced in the aftermath of the pope’s death, and there’s a special reason why.
This act, steeped in both ritual and practicality, serves to prevent misuse.
Historically, the Fisherman’s Ring functioned as a seal for papal documents, alongside a lead pendant known as the bulla.
To prevent forgeries, both were destroyed upon a pope’s death – a practice in place from 1521 through to the early 21st century.
As Christopher Lamb, CNN’s Vatican correspondent, explains: “It’s the equivalent of taking the login details away from a social media account… it was to stop pretenders using false seals on documents.”
While the original function of these seals has long been obsolete – replaced by stamps in the 1800s – the ceremonial destruction remains.
During the transition period following a pope’s passing, the Camerlengo, a senior cardinal tasked with overseeing the interregnum, carries out the ritual in the presence of the College of Cardinals.
When Pope Benedict XVI resigned in 2013, breaking a six-century precedent, a new custom emerged: rather than destroy the ring, a large cross was etched into its surface.
Lamb remarked: “I think there was a feeling that it was unnecessary to destroy the ring,” noting that papal impersonation has become highly unlikely.
Pope Francis is expected to receive similar treatment posthumously.
Appointed in 2023, Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell, the current Camerlengo, is likely to follow the precedent set during Benedict’s resignation.
Francis’s approach to the ring, like many aspects of his papacy, reflected his modest values. Rather than commissioning a new design, he opted for a gold-plated silver ring that previously belonged to the secretary of Pope Paul VI.
Lamb described it as a ‘recycled’ ring – an embodiment of Francis’ humility.
Moreover, Francis did not wear the Fisherman’s Ring daily, reserving it for formal events.
For everyday use, he wore a simpler silver ring from his time as cardinal. He also appeared hesitant about the custom of ring-kissing.
In 2019, footage of him withdrawing his hand from those trying to kiss the ring sparked curiosity.
The Vatican later clarified that the intention was to reduce the transmission of germs.
The exact fate of the Fisherman’s Ring will unfold in the days ahead, as the Vatican prepares for the conclave to elect the next pope.
For now, its defacement will mark both the end of one papacy and the quiet continuation of a centuries-old tradition.
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