The Pope’s ring: The meaning of the world’s most mysterious jewel

The ecclesiastical world is steeped in art and attire. The garments worn by the Church’s highest authorities, along with the ceremonial items that accompany their official outfits, play an important role in the Church’s history and in symbolizing the responsibilities of each individual. The clothing, from that of priests to the pontiff, reveals much about the hierarchy and the duties each person carries. Among the many elements that complete the Pope’s attire, perhaps the most iconic and mysterious item is the memorable ring worn by every Pope throughout history.

© Mario Tama

How is the Pope’s Ring?

Known as the “Fisherman’s Ring,” this piece symbolizes the bond between Jesus and the Church. It can only be worn by the Pope once he assumes office. The ring features an image of St. Peter, Jesus’s disciple and a fisherman by trade, along with the current Pope’s name inscribed in Latin. 

The history of this ring is shrouded in mystery. Still, it is believed to have originated with a letter from Pope Clement IV to his nephew, in which the ring is mentioned as a tool for sealing letters in an official capacity.

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Pope Francis’s Fisherman’s Ring

Tradition dictates that the Pope’s ring should be made of gold, symbolizing power and majesty. However, when Pope Francis was elected as the leader of the Church, he chose to break from tradition by opting for a white gold ring. This choice reflected the humility that characterized his papacy.

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Gradually, a new tradition began to take shape. Once a new Pope is elected, the Dean of the College of Cardinals presents the ring to the newly elected pontiff, to be worn daily without exception. This ring becomes so iconic and sacred that many people show their respect and admiration by kissing it.

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Another intriguing and mysterious aspect of the Pope’s ring is that Church tradition dictates the ring must be destroyed upon the death of the Pope, symbolizing the end of an era and preventing the falsification of documents. This is done with a hammer that crushes the ring into small pieces, which are then used to create the next Pope’s ring. The only exception to this tradition occurred when Pope Benedict XVI resigned.

© Franco Origlia

Typically, these rings are crafted by various artisans from local workshops in Rome. For example, the request for Benedict XVI’s ring was given to Claudio Franchi, a jeweler and art historian, who worked 15-hour days for two weeks to create the piece. On the other hand, Pope Francis chose a design by visual artist Enrico Manfrini.