Following the passing of Pope Francis earlier today, a significant tradition within the Roman Catholic Church will soon be observed: the destruction of the Fisherman’s Ring. This symbolic act, carried out by the Cardinal Camerlengo, marks the official end of the deceased Pope’s authority.
What is Fisherman’s Ring?
The Fisherman’s Ring is a unique signet ring presented to each Pope during his papal inauguration. Its design typically features St. Peter the Apostle, the first Pope according to Catholic tradition, often depicted with fishing nets or the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven. The reigning Pope’s name is inscribed above this image.
Historically, the ring served as a seal for the Pope’s private correspondence and papal briefs, alongside the leaden bulla, which was used for more formal papal documents. While its use as a seal was discontinued in 1842, the ring remains a potent symbol of the Pope’s episcopal authority as the successor of St. Peter and the leader of the Church.
Significance of Fisherman’s Ring
The ring’s name, “Fisherman’s Ring,” directly references St. Peter, who was a fisherman by trade before becoming one of Jesus’s disciples. The bestowal of the ring upon a new Pope signifies the weighty responsibility entrusted to him as Peter’s successor and the shepherd of the Catholic faithful. Traditionally worn on the ring finger of the Pope’s right hand, the ring also symbolises the Pope’s spiritual betrothal and fidelity to the Roman Catholic Church.
The upcoming destruction of Pope Francis’s ring will be carried out by the Cardinal Camerlengo, currently Cardinal Kevin Farrell. This ritual takes place after the official confirmation of the Pope’s death and in the presence of the College of Cardinals, prior to the commencement of the papal conclave to elect the next pontiff.
The act of destroying the ring with a special hammer serves not only as a symbolic end to the Pope’s reign but also as a security measure against any potential misuse of the papal seal.
Interestingly, the tradition was slightly altered in 2013 when Pope Benedict XVI resigned from the papacy. Instead of being destroyed, his Fisherman’s Ring was marked with a deep cross by the Cardinal Camerlengo.
This unique circumstance acknowledged the unprecedented nature of a papal resignation in modern times. However, with the passing of Pope Francis, the traditional practice of destruction will be observed, signifying the conclusion of his pontificate and paving the way for the selection of a new leader for the world’s Catholics.