The news of Pope Francis’ death arrived on the morning of April 21, 2025. The ritual that follows the passing of His Holiness also includes the destruction of the Fisherman’s Ring. Worn on the right ring finger, the precious circle that symbolizes power in the Vatican is forged – and destroyed – for each new pontiff appointed. The papal insignia, documented as already in use at the time of Clement IV, bears the name of the person it represents and, always the same, the depiction of St. Peter the Apostle in the act of casting the nets for fishing (from which it takes its name).

In previous centuries, this papal insignia functioned as a true seal, used as a means to guarantee the confidentiality of private correspondence, especially that of an official or personal nature of the pontiff. The Latin phrase sub anulo piscatoris, which translates as “under the ring of the Fisherman,” refers precisely to the authentication of papal documents. The Fisherman’s ring, a symbol of the pontiff’s spiritual power as the successor of the apostle Peter — fisher of men — was therefore affixed as a seal to confer authority and validity to the text, making it unassailable and worthy of the highest consideration.

The Fisherman’s Ring, a symbol of papal authority that dates back to the 13th century, is one of the most recognizable symbols of the papacy. This unique ring, designed and crafted by the Roman Guild of Goldsmith’s artisans in Rome, is traditionally worn on the pontiff’s right hand, on the ring finger, and is often kissed by pilgrims who meet the Pope.

The origins of this ritual are practical. The Fisherman’s Ring and a necklace called a bulla have been used throughout history as the official seals for documents and letters the Pope wrote. These seals, made specifically for each new Pope, were broken with a hammer after death to prevent forgeries. This practice lasted from 1521 to 2013. Upon the pontiff’s death, the ring is destroyed within the Vatican with a hammer and placed in the deceased’s coffin, along with a rosary. The destruction is done because traditionally, the ring was used to seal letters with wax and mark the official seal of the Pope on documents, so its destruction ensures no forgeries can be made.

Although the use of rings as seals has evolved, the tradition of the ring’s destruction continues. In 2013, when Pope Benedict XVI resigned after six centuries, a new practice was born. Instead of eradicating the ring, it was invalidated by hammering a deep cross into it, demonstrating the continuity of tradition despite changes in practice.

Hence, to prevent it from being used for improper purposes, the need, upon the death of the Pontiff, to remove the jewel from the finger of the deceased by the hand of the Cardinal Camerlengo and, in the presence of the representatives of the College of Cardinals, to break it, indicating with this gesture the end of the pontificate. Today its destruction marks the beginning of the sede vacante.

Pope Francis wore this ring during his 12-year term in office at ceremonial events; countless Christians kissed it. However, the ring also caused hygiene debates. After Pope Francis passed away on Easter Monday at the age of 88, his ring was destroyed within the walls of the Vatican as per tradition.