The Fisherman’s Ring: Why Pope Francis Signet Ring Will Be Destroyed
With a lineage extending as far back as the 13th century, the Fisherman’s Ring endures as one of the most recognisable and historically significant emblems of papal authority.
Rooted in deep ecclesiastical tradition, the ring derives its name from Saint Peter, the apostle who, according to Catholic doctrine, was not only a humble fisherman by trade but also the first bishop of Rome and thus the first pope.
Through the centuries, the ring has come to symbolise the spiritual and administrative authority conferred upon each successive pontiff.
Pope Francis, who led the Catholic Church for twelve years until his death at the age of 88 on Easter Monday, wore the Fisherman’s Ring during numerous ceremonial and liturgical occasions.
It was venerated by millions of the faithful, many of whom adhered to the longstanding custom of kissing the ring as a sign of reverence and submission to the office of the papacy.
The gesture, steeped in tradition, has not been without its critics, occasionally prompting public discussion on matters of decorum and even hygiene, particularly in an age increasingly conscious of health and personal boundaries.
Following the death of a pope, Vatican protocol dictates that the Fisherman’s Ring must be destroyed or permanently defaced. This rite, undertaken within the Vatican’s sacred precincts, is both ceremonial and functional in nature.
Historically, the ring, along with a leaden seal known as the bulla, was employed to authenticate official papal documents, referred to as papal briefs. These items functioned as tangible instruments of authority, validating decrees and correspondence issued in the pope’s name. To prevent the fraudulent use of such seals following a pontiff’s death, the Church developed the practice of rendering them unusable—typically by striking them with a ceremonial hammer.
This ritual destruction was carried out faithfully from the early sixteenth century until 2013, when a pivotal moment altered its course. That year, Pope Benedict XVI became the first pope in over six hundred years to resign from office.
In this unprecedented situation, the Church opted not to destroy his Fisherman’s Ring outright. Instead, officials engraved a prominent cross across its surface, symbolically rendering it void while preserving it as a historical artifact. This adaptation marked a shift in tradition, influenced by changing circumstances and the modern realities of Church governance.
Christopher Lamb, Vatican correspondent for CNN, offered a contemporary analogy to describe the significance of this ritual: “It’s the equivalent of taking the login details away from a social media account. That’s what it was about—it was to stop pretenders using false seals on documents.” Lamb’s observation underscores the practical rationale behind what may otherwise seem like an anachronistic gesture.
The act of defacing or destroying the ring is typically conducted under the supervision of the Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, the cardinal entrusted with overseeing the interregnum between pontificates.
This official, appointed by the pope during his lifetime, plays a pivotal role in the administration of the Church during the sede vacante—the period when the papal seat is vacant. The current Camerlengo, Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell, was appointed to the role by Pope Francis in 2023.
He is expected to carry out this solemn duty in accordance with the updated tradition, likely opting for defacement rather than destruction in keeping with the precedent set in 2013.
Varying Uses and Personal Preferences
Although the Fisherman’s Ring carries a weighty symbolism rooted in centuries of tradition, its use has varied significantly from one pontificate to another.
Some popes, such as Benedict XVI, chose to wear the ring on a daily basis, reinforcing the continuity of their office through visible, daily symbols of authority.
Others, including Pope John Paul II, occasionally substituted the official ring with alternative items, such as a cruciform ring designed to resemble the Fisherman’s Ring in form but bearing different iconography.
Pope Francis took a characteristically modest approach. He wore the Fisherman’s Ring for formal liturgical events and major public appearances but preferred a plain silver ring—one he had worn since his time as Archbishop of Buenos Aires—for day-to-day use. This choice was consistent with his broader emphasis on humility, simplicity, and service, values that permeated his papacy from its very outset.
There was a moment early in his papacy that drew public attention to the ring and its role in protocol. In 2019, a video circulated widely in which Pope Francis was seen gently withdrawing his hand as pilgrims bent to kiss the ring. This prompted speculation that he was uncomfortable with the traditional gesture.
The Vatican later clarified that the pope’s intention was to prevent the transmission of germs during long receiving lines, particularly when greeting large numbers of people in succession. The incident, however, served as a subtle reminder of the evolving nature of papal interactions in the modern era.
According to Lamb, this was emblematic of Francis’ pastoral approach. “He always liked to meet people where they were—shaking hands or embracing those who were distressed,” he noted. The pope was not one to demand outward displays of submission; instead, he placed greater value on direct, human connection.
A Ring of Tradition, Reused with Purpose
While the image of Saint Peter and the keys to the kingdom of heaven remain common motifs on the Fisherman’s Ring, its design has never been bound by strict regulations.
Instead, each ring is typically crafted to reflect the spirit and preferences of the newly elected pontiff. The materials, imagery, and stylistic flourishes often mirror the broader tone of the pope’s anticipated reign.
Traditionally, a new Fisherman’s Ring is commissioned and crafted by a goldsmith specifically for the incoming pope. Pope Francis, however, diverged from this custom in a manner that resonated with his reputation for modesty.
Rather than ordering a new ring, he selected a gold-plated silver ring that had once belonged to Archbishop Pasquale Macchi, the private secretary of Pope Paul VI. This ring, referred to by Vatican officials as the “in-possession ring,” had not been used officially prior to Francis’ election. In choosing it, the pope signaled his commitment to simplicity, continuity, and stewardship of the Church’s resources.
This choice also aligned with Francis’ broader emphasis on “integral ecology” and sustainable living, themes that became central pillars of his papal teachings. Even in matters of ecclesiastical ornamentation, the late pope sought to embody the values he preached.
Looking Ahead
As the Church enters a time of mourning and transition, attention will soon turn to the conclave—the sacred and secretive process by which the next pope will be selected. While the precise future of Pope Francis’ Fisherman’s Ring remains uncertain, it is likely that it will be marked, defaced, and retired in accordance with recent tradition.
Whatever its final disposition, the ring remains a powerful symbol—of authority exercised with humility, of a tradition both ancient and evolving, and of a papacy that left an indelible mark on the life of the Church.
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The Fisherman’s Ring: Why Pope Francis Signet Ring Will Be Destroyed
