Pope Francis' death: What is Fisherman’s Ring and why is it destroyed?

The Fisherman’s Ring is a major symbol of the pope’s authority within the Catholic Church, with a history that dates back to at least the 13th century. The ring is engraved with an image of Saint Peter, the first pope and a fisherman, which ties it to the biblical passage where Jesus calls him a "fisher of men." It also features the name of the current pope. Traditionally, the ring served as a seal for official documents, such as papal briefs.

After a pope’s death, the Fisherman’s Ring is destroyed or defaced. This ritual is carried out by the Camerlengo, a senior cardinal appointed to oversee the transition. The act of destroying the ring prevents the use of its seal on any posthumous papal documents, preventing potential forgeries. This has been the tradition since at least 1521.

Historically, the Fisherman’s Ring was used as a seal for official letters and papal briefs. To prevent these documents from being forged after a pope’s death, the ring was destroyed. The destruction or defacing of the ring would take place in the presence of the College of Cardinals. This practice continued until the mid-19th century when the ring's functional role as a seal was replaced by a stamp.

When Pope Benedict XVI resigned in 2013, a new tradition was established. Instead of completely destroying the ring, a deep cross was carved into its surface. This change reflected the shift in the necessity of destroying the ring, as the risk of papal impersonation had lessened over time.

What was unique about Pope Francis' Fisherman’s Ring?

Pope Francis chose a "recycled" ring rather than commissioning a new one. The ring he wore was previously owned by the secretary of Pope Paul VI and made from gold-plated silver rather than pure gold. Francis opted for this ring in line with his modest approach.

What happens to the Fisherman’s Ring after Pope Francis’ death?

Following the death of Pope Francis, his Fisherman’s Ring will be defaced by the Camerlengo, following the established tradition. This will occur ahead of the papal conclave, where a new pope will be elected.