The death of Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday (April 21, 2025), at the age of 88, has marked a profound moment in the history of the Catholic Church. With his passing, attention has turned to several traditions that are observed following the death of a pope, one of the most notable being the destruction of the pope’s signet ring, often referred to as the Fisherman’s Ring. This important ritual has its roots in centuries-old customs and holds both symbolic and practical significance.
The Pope’s Fisherman’s Ring: A Symbol of Authority
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, was known for his humble nature and preference for simplicity. Throughout his papacy, he famously chose not to live in the grand Apostolic Palace, opting instead for a modest residence in Vatican City. His signature gold ring, worn on his right hand, became an iconic symbol of his papacy.
The Fisherman’s Ring is not just an ornament but a significant symbol of papal authority. Traditionally, the ring has been used as a seal for the pope’s personal letters, representing his authority and connection to the wider Catholic Church. Although the ring’s material value is estimated to be around $520,000, its true worth is far beyond its monetary price—it is a powerful symbol of the pope’s role as the spiritual leader of over a billion Catholics worldwide.
Why the Ring Is Destroyed
Following the death of a pope, a centuries-old ritual dictates that the Fisherman’s Ring must be destroyed to prevent it from being misused. This destruction is a traditional practice that has been followed since the Middle Ages. The pope’s ring, along with the accompanying bulla (papal seal), is destroyed by the camerlengo, who in this case is Cardinal Kevin Farrell. The destruction of these items ensures that they cannot be used fraudulently or impersonally after the pope’s death.
The ceremony takes place in the presence of the College of Cardinals shortly after the pope’s death is confirmed, and just before the papal conclave convenes to elect a new pope. This ensures that the ring’s symbolism remains intact and that the process of choosing a new pontiff begins with a clean slate.
The Role of the Camerlengo
The camerlengo, the cardinal responsible for overseeing the papal administration during the vacancy of the papacy, plays a crucial role in the days following the pope’s death. Cardinal Farrell, as the current camerlengo, will oversee the formal announcement of Pope Francis’ death, the destruction of the ring, and the preparations for the papal conclave.
In the announcement of Pope Francis’ passing, Cardinal Farrell expressed deep sorrow. “Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow, I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father,” Farrell said, according to Sky News.
Cardinal Farrell went on to reflect on Pope Francis’ life, stating, “His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with faithfulness, courage, and universal love, especially for the poorest and most marginalized.”
The camerlengo’s responsibilities also include ensuring that the necessary steps are taken to prepare for the papal conclave, the process by which a new pope will be elected.
The Papal Conclave and Election of a New Pope
The process of electing a new pope typically begins shortly after the death of the sitting pope. The papal conclave, the assembly of cardinals who will vote to choose the next pope, usually takes place within 15 to 20 days after the pope’s death. During this period, the ring’s destruction, along with the sealing of all papal properties and offices, ensures that no unauthorized actions take place under the deceased pope’s name.
The conclave is held in strict confidentiality, and the cardinals who gather to elect a new pope do so with deep respect for the traditions of the Church. They deliberate in the Sistine Chapel, where the ballots are cast, and a two-thirds majority vote is required for a new pope to be chosen. Once elected, the new pope will receive a new Fisherman’s Ring, symbolizing the continuation of papal authority.
Pope Francis’ Legacy
Pope Francis leaves behind a remarkable legacy marked by his emphasis on compassion, humility, and social justice. Throughout his papacy, he worked tirelessly to address global issues such as poverty, climate change, and the plight of refugees. His leadership focused on unifying the Catholic Church and encouraging dialogue among various faith communities.
Pope Francis’ decision to live humbly, his outreach to the poor, and his focus on pastoral care for all people will remain central to his legacy. His death marks the end of a papacy that has been characterized by significant change, both within the Church and in the world at large.
A Graceful Departure
In his final moments, Pope Francis demonstrated the same grace and humility that defined his papacy. According to reports, the pope passed away quietly, without suffering, in his Vatican residence. The destruction of his Fisherman’s Ring symbolizes the end of his papacy and the beginning of the Church’s preparation for a new era of leadership.
As the Catholic Church prepares for the election of a new pope, the memory of Pope Francis and his deep commitment to the values of faith, humility, and service will continue to guide the Church and its followers.
Sources:
- Vatican News – https://www.vaticannews.va
- Sky News – https://www.sky.com
- BBC News – https://www.bbc.com
