The Vatican has declared that, in keeping with long-standing custom, the gold Fisherman’s Ring, one of the most emblematic objects of Pope Francis’s pontificate, will be destroyed after his death at the age of 88.
At 7:35 AM local time on Easter Monday (April 21), the Pope, who was born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, died quietly in his humble home in Vatican City. He had opted to reside in the Vatican guesthouse since his election in 2013, being faithful to the humility that characterized his life and leadership, rather than the lavish Apostolic Palace.
According to reports, the cause of death was a brain stroke that resulted in irreparable heart failure and a coma. The Fisherman’s Ring, one of the most iconic emblems of his legacy, has come into shape as funeral arrangements and international tributes get underway.
The ring is estimated to be worth $520,000, but its true value is in its significance rather than its gold content. The pope’s spiritual power and relationship to Saint Peter, the first bishop of Rome and a fisherman by profession, have been represented for centuries by the signet ring worn on the pope’s right hand. The ring has historically been used to seal official papal letters and documents. Although its function is now mostly ceremonial, its significance has not changed.
Tradition requires that the ring be ceremoniously burned when a pope passes away. The cardinal designated to manage the Vatican in between popes, known as the Camerlengo, is responsible for carrying out this holy duty. Cardinal Kevin Farrell is currently in charge of this ancient ceremony and fills that position.
The College of Cardinals will witness the destruction of the ring and its attendant bulla, the official papal seal. This custom ensures that the ring cannot be misused or copied after the pope’s death, marking the end of one pontificate and providing protection. A silver hammer was used to deface the ring in the past, but more recently, a deep cross is frequently etched into the ring to symbolize the devastation.
The papal conclave, the solemn procedure where cardinals convene to choose the next pope, usually begins just before this ceremony. It is anticipated that the conclave will start 15 to 20 days after the pope’s passing.
Cardinal Farrell revealed the death of Pope Francis in a heartfelt statement, saying:
“With great sadness, dear brothers and sisters, I must inform you of the passing of our Holy Father Francis. Francis, the Bishop of Rome, arrived back at the Father’s house at 7:35 this morning.
His whole existence was devoted to serving the Lord and his Church. He taught us to live out the principles of the gospel with courage, faithfulness, and love for everyone, especially the most vulnerable and impoverished.
“With great appreciation for his example as a sincere follower of the Lord Jesus, we honor Pope Francis’ soul to the merciful, boundless love of God, One and Triune.”
As the world laments the death of a pope who is largely seen as a champion of reform, humility, and compassion, the destruction of his ring will signal a somber and symbolic end to his exceptional service and the start of a new era in Catholic Church history.
