Pope Francis , the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88 at his residence in the Casa Santa Marta in the Vatican. His reason for death was declared as a stroke followed by an irreversible cardiovascular arrest. His body was laid in state for three days at St. Peter's Basilica for public viewing and his funeral is being held today April 26th, at St. Peter's Square.
One of the many funerary customs following a pope's death is destroying his signet ring with a silver hammer. Why is this centuries-old tradition followed, and what is the reason behind the custom? Let's find out.
What is a signet ring worn by a Pope?
The signet ring, also known as the papal ring or the fisherman's ring is a ring featuring the image of the first Pope, Saint Peter along with the reigning Pope's name inscribed on it. It is presented to the leader of the Catholic church at his papal inauguration. It is usually worn by the pope on the right hand's ring finger and symbolises their authority and role within the church.
When did Pope Francis receive his signet ring?
Pope Francis received his signet ring in 2013 when he was elected as a Pope. The ring made of gold-plated silver was put on Pope Francis's finger by Italian cardinal Angelo Sardano. It was made from a jewel that was owned by Archbishop Pasquale Macchi, secretary to Pope Paul VI. The bestowal of the ring also symbolises the duty being handed down to the new Pope as one of Peter's successors and leader of the church.
Why will Pope Francis' signet ring be destroyed?
The tradition of destroying the papal ring dates back to the 13th century when it was instituted to prevent attempts at forgery or usurpation of power after the death of the pope. Since these rings were used to seal official documents and acts of Vatican governance, their falling into the hands of an unauthorised person would also indicate that the Pope still lived. Thus, after the death of a Pope, the breaking of the ring not only signifies the end of his pontificate but also marks the beginning of the period of "sede vacante" during which the Church remains without a supreme pontiff, awaiting the election of the next Pope.
How will Pope Francis' ring be destroyed?
The destruction of the fisherman's ring is carried out in a private room in the Vatican by the Camerlengo, currently Cardinal Kevin Farrell in the presence of the College of Cardinals. While in the past the act was carried out with a special hammer now the ring is just incised with a cross, symbolizing the Pope's death.
One of the many funerary customs following a pope's death is destroying his signet ring with a silver hammer. Why is this centuries-old tradition followed, and what is the reason behind the custom? Let's find out.
What is a signet ring worn by a Pope?
The signet ring, also known as the papal ring or the fisherman's ring is a ring featuring the image of the first Pope, Saint Peter along with the reigning Pope's name inscribed on it. It is presented to the leader of the Catholic church at his papal inauguration. It is usually worn by the pope on the right hand's ring finger and symbolises their authority and role within the church.
When did Pope Francis receive his signet ring?
Pope Francis received his signet ring in 2013 when he was elected as a Pope. The ring made of gold-plated silver was put on Pope Francis's finger by Italian cardinal Angelo Sardano. It was made from a jewel that was owned by Archbishop Pasquale Macchi, secretary to Pope Paul VI. The bestowal of the ring also symbolises the duty being handed down to the new Pope as one of Peter's successors and leader of the church.
Why will Pope Francis' signet ring be destroyed?
The tradition of destroying the papal ring dates back to the 13th century when it was instituted to prevent attempts at forgery or usurpation of power after the death of the pope. Since these rings were used to seal official documents and acts of Vatican governance, their falling into the hands of an unauthorised person would also indicate that the Pope still lived. Thus, after the death of a Pope, the breaking of the ring not only signifies the end of his pontificate but also marks the beginning of the period of "sede vacante" during which the Church remains without a supreme pontiff, awaiting the election of the next Pope.
How will Pope Francis' ring be destroyed?
The destruction of the fisherman's ring is carried out in a private room in the Vatican by the Camerlengo, currently Cardinal Kevin Farrell in the presence of the College of Cardinals. While in the past the act was carried out with a special hammer now the ring is just incised with a cross, symbolizing the Pope's death.
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