Latest news with #PiscatoryRing
Time of India
18-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Pope Leo XIV to meet Zelenskyy at Vatican Sunday, recalls 'martyred Ukraine'
Pope Leo XIV is set to hold his first private meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Sunday, shortly after his installation mass, according to Vatican officials. "The martyred Ukraine is waiting for negotiations for a just and lasting peace to finally happen," the pontiff stated prior to the scheduled meeting. The Ukrainian President joined other global dignitaries, including royalty, political figures and religious leaders, at the ceremonial mass marking the commencement of Leo's papal tenure. During the ceremony in St Peter's Square, Zelenskyy exchanged greetings with US Vice President JD Vance. Following the mass, during his Regina Coeli prayer, Leo addressed the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, noting that "in Gaza, children, families and elderly survivors are reduced to hunger". He also highlighted the ongoing conflict in Myanmar, stating that "in Myanmar, new hostilities have destroyed innocent young lives". Ten days after Robert Francis Prevost was elected pope, his papacy officially began with a ceremony at St. Peter's Square. During the inauguration Mass of his pontificate at St Peter's Square, Pope Leo XIV received the Ring of the Fisherman—also known as the Piscatory Ring—from Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelisation. The ceremony included several traditional customs and symbols marking the formal start of his papacy.
Calgary Herald
26-04-2025
- General
- Calgary Herald
Why Pope Francis's signet ring must be destroyed with a silver hammer
Pope Francis was to be buried at the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome on Saturday following a funeral mass in St. Peter's Square. The ceremony began at 10 a.m. local time (4 a.m. ET). Among the oldest traditions that mark the funeral preparations for Pope Francis is the destruction of his signet ring, the Ring of the Fisherman, one of the most storied pieces of papal regalia. Kissing the pope's ring as a sign of respect is such a famous gesture that is has become a general expression for deference to authority, and the practice occasionally bothered Francis so much on grounds of hygiene and infection control that he would sometimes withdraw his right hand when people went to kiss it as they met him. Each pope gets his own new ring made at his investiture, which is then destroyed at the end of his papacy, which usually but not always coincides with his death. The National Post runs through the history and significance of this ring that is known in Latin as the 'Anulus piscatoris.' Article content Article content Why does the pope have a ring? Article content Article content Originally, in about the 6th century, the ring was intended as a unique seal for private correspondence and other papal writings that were less formal than a 'papal bull,' the grand official pronouncements that are so called because they are authenticated with a lead seal called a 'bulla.' That practice is no longer in use, but the ring tradition remains. Article content This practice of destroying the ring ensured there could be no faked letters that might conveniently emerge during the period when there is no pope. The tradition is carried out after confirmation of a pope's death by the 'camerlengo,' a cardinal who manages Vatican affairs, who destroys the ring with a ceremonial silver hammer. When Benedict XVI resigned the papacy in 2013, his elaborate gold ring was not destroyed but rather defaced by cutting a cross into the gold. Francis's ring is a simpler piece than Benedict's, and was repurposed from a gold-plated silver ring already owned by the Vatican, with an image of Saint Peter holding the keys to heaven. When Francis appeared in public, however, he more commonly wore an even simpler silver ring with just a cross on it. Article content Article content Article content Where do popes buy their jewellery? Article content Article content These are almost always custom pieces, although Francis's ring was not newly made for him. It had previously been owned by Archbishop Pasquale Macchi, the private secretary of Pope Paul VI, a key force behind the mid-20th century reforms of the Second Vatican Council. It was made by the late Enrico Manfrini, an Italian goldsmith and sculptor who is known for major works including a door to the Cathedral of Siena and statues of several popes. Article content The Piscatory Ring, or the Ring of the Fisherman, is a direct nod to Peter, the first Bishop of Rome, the seat held by popes. Peter was a fisherman in Galilee when he first followed Jesus, so the image on the papal ring is often of Peter in a boat. But it also refers to the significance of fish in Christian symbolism. For example, early Christians were persecuted in the Roman Empire, and Peter himself is reputed to have been crucified by the Emperor Nero, and buried on what is now the site of Saint Peter's Basilica in the Vatican. In that climate of fear, the sign of the fish became a secret symbol of Christianity in reference to Peter and the apostles, whom Jesus had encouraged to be 'fishers of people,' and also for the Greek spelling of the word fish, 'ichthys,' which can be seen as an acronym for the Greek expression 'Jesus Christ, Son of God, Saviour.' The symbol carried on into medieval literature. In some renderings of King Arthurian legend, for example, the wounded Fisher King is the mysterious keeper of the Holy Grail. Article content Article content
Vancouver Sun
26-04-2025
- General
- Vancouver Sun
Why Pope Francis's signet ring must be destroyed with a silver hammer
Article content Pope Francis was to be buried at the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome on Saturday following a funeral mass in St. Peter's Square. The ceremony began at 10 a.m. local time (4 a.m. ET). Among the oldest traditions that mark the funeral preparations for Pope Francis is the destruction of his signet ring, the Ring of the Fisherman, one of the most storied pieces of papal regalia. Kissing the pope's ring as a sign of respect is such a famous gesture that is has become a general expression for deference to authority, and the practice occasionally bothered Francis so much on grounds of hygiene and infection control that he would sometimes withdraw his right hand when people went to kiss it as they met him. Each pope gets his own new ring made at his investiture, which is then destroyed at the end of his papacy, which usually but not always coincides with his death. The National Post runs through the history and significance of this ring that is known in Latin as the 'Anulus piscatoris.' Article content Article content Why does the pope have a ring? Article content Article content Originally, in about the 6th century, the ring was intended as a unique seal for private correspondence and other papal writings that were less formal than a 'papal bull,' the grand official pronouncements that are so called because they are authenticated with a lead seal called a 'bulla.' That practice is no longer in use, but the ring tradition remains. This practice of destroying the ring ensured there could be no faked letters that might conveniently emerge during the period when there is no pope. The tradition is carried out after confirmation of a pope's death by the 'camerlengo,' a cardinal who manages Vatican affairs, who destroys the ring with a ceremonial silver hammer. When Benedict XVI resigned the papacy in 2013, his elaborate gold ring was not destroyed but rather defaced by cutting a cross into the gold. Francis's ring is a simpler piece than Benedict's, and was repurposed from a gold-plated silver ring already owned by the Vatican, with an image of Saint Peter holding the keys to heaven. When Francis appeared in public, however, he more commonly wore an even simpler silver ring with just a cross on it. Article content Article content Article content Where do popes buy their jewellery? Article content Article content These are almost always custom pieces, although Francis's ring was not newly made for him. It had previously been owned by Archbishop Pasquale Macchi, the private secretary of Pope Paul VI, a key force behind the mid-20th century reforms of the Second Vatican Council. It was made by the late Enrico Manfrini, an Italian goldsmith and sculptor who is known for major works including a door to the Cathedral of Siena and statues of several popes. Article content The Piscatory Ring, or the Ring of the Fisherman, is a direct nod to Peter, the first Bishop of Rome, the seat held by popes. Peter was a fisherman in Galilee when he first followed Jesus, so the image on the papal ring is often of Peter in a boat. But it also refers to the significance of fish in Christian symbolism. For example, early Christians were persecuted in the Roman Empire, and Peter himself is reputed to have been crucified by the Emperor Nero, and buried on what is now the site of Saint Peter's Basilica in the Vatican. In that climate of fear, the sign of the fish became a secret symbol of Christianity in reference to Peter and the apostles, whom Jesus had encouraged to be 'fishers of people,' and also for the Greek spelling of the word fish, 'ichthys,' which can be seen as an acronym for the Greek expression 'Jesus Christ, Son of God, Saviour.' The symbol carried on into medieval literature. In some renderings of King Arthurian legend, for example, the wounded Fisher King is the mysterious keeper of the Holy Grail. Article content Article content
Newsweek
23-04-2025
- General
- Newsweek
What Is Pope Francis' Fisherman's Ring and Why Is It Destroyed After His Death?
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Among the many traditions and rituals that come into play following the death of a pope, one that has once again garnered attention following the passing of Pope Francis is the fate of the Fisherman's Ring. Francis died on Easter Monday, April 21, after suffering a stroke and cardiac arrest. His death marks a defining moment for the Catholic Church, and with his passing, a series of deeply rooted rituals are activated, including the ceremonial treatment of the historic Fisherman's Ring, a powerful symbol of papal authority. What Is The Pope's Fisherman's Ring? The Fisherman's Ring, also known as the Piscatory Ring, is an iconic symbol of the papacy. Traditionally, it bears an image of a fish—a tribute to St. Peter, the fisherman remembered as the first pope and one of Jesus' original 12 disciples—and is used to seal official documents, thereby affirming their authenticity. More than a decorative accessory, the ring represents the belief of unbroken spiritual lineage connecting every pontificate to the legacy of St. Peter. It stands as a tangible symbol of the enduring authority and continuity of the Catholic Church. Pope Francis often wore this simple silver ring decorated with a cross. Pope Francis often wore this simple silver ring decorated with a cross. AP Photo/Andrew Medichini What Do We Know About Pope Francis' Ring? The Fisherman's Ring is traditionally crafted from gold, but the ring given to Francis was made of gold-plated silver and designed by goldsmith Enrico Manfrini. Manfrini designed the ring for Pope Paul VI, but it wasn't yet cast into metal and the pope instead chose a ring commemorating the Second Vatican Council. Years later, the ring was made of gold-plated silver from the wax cast and offered to Francis, who opted for the modest ring featuring an image of St. Peter holding two keys. He was also often seen wearing a simple silver ring with a cross, which was his ring in his years as a bishop before being elected pontiff. Other Fisherman's Rings Pope Benedict's ring was inspired by a Michelangelo painting. More than 200 illustrations were reviewed before the final design was chosen. Cast from 35 grams of pure gold, it required eight skilled artisans working 15-hour days for more than two weeks to complete. The ring is inscribed with "Benedictus XVI"—the Pope's title in Latin—and features an image of St. Peter. Pope Benedict XVI shows his Fisherman's Ring. Pope Benedict XVI shows his Fisherman's Ring. Michael Kappeler/Picture-alliance/dpa/AP Images Why Is The Ring Destroyed After The Pope's Death? In accordance with time-honored traditions, the Fisherman's Ring is ceremoniously destroyed—typically melted down—following the death of a pope. This deliberate act serves two main purposes. First, it prevents any possibility of the ring being misused or replicated, which could lead to fraudulent claims of papal authority. Second, the destruction of the ring symbolizes the definitive end of the pontificate. By eliminating the physical emblem of papal power, the Church underscores that the authority of the previous pope cannot be transferred, thus paving the way for the election and consecration of a new leader. Do Catholics Kiss The Ring When Greeting The Pope? For centuries, it was Catholic tradition to kiss the papal foot. Nowadays, many faithful choose to bow and kiss the papal ring. However, Francis and Benedict XVI before him have tried to discourage the practice of kissing the pope's ring or hand when the pope is receiving visitors. In 2019, Francis repeatedly pulled his hand away when worshippers attempted to kiss his papal ring at the Holy House of Loreto in Italy. However, two days later, he allowed nuns and priests to kiss his papal ring. Pope Francis visited a Catholic shrine in Loreto where he repeatedly withdrew his hand as a line of people tried to kiss his ring — Reuters (@Reuters) March 26, 2019 Vatican spokesman Alessandro Gisotti said Francis did not intend to buck centuries of tradition but was interested in preventing disease. "The Holy Father told me that the motivation was very simple: hygiene," Gisotti said after speaking directly with Francis about the matter. "He wants to avoid the risk of contagion for the people, not for him." What Is The Fisherman's Ring Worth Today? While the raw material value of the Fisherman's Ring can be roughly estimated based on its gold content—about 30 grams of 24-karat gold might be valued in the range of $2,000 to $2,500 at current market prices—the ring's true worth is far more substantial. Its historical and symbolic significance elevates it to a status that defies mere monetary appraisal. The ring embodies centuries of papal history and the enduring legacy of the Catholic Church. As such, while its physical gold value is measurable, the artifact itself is considered priceless.
Telegraph
21-04-2025
- Telegraph
What happens when the pope dies and when will his funeral take place?
News of Pope Francis's death at the age of 88 will have affected the many millions of Catholics across the world. The death of a pope triggers a formal and lengthy period of mourning complete with many historic rituals that are completed before cardinals gather to elect a successor. These rituals include: certifying his death by calling out his name three times, sealing his apartment doors with red ribbons and breaking his papal ring with shears. Arrangements are also made for a funeral to be held, for his body to lie in state and a successor to be elected. The pope's chief of staff, known as the camerlengo, is in charge of all arrangements and is also responsible for the formal determination of death. Death ritual Before making the announcement public, the camerlengo ceremonially verifies the pope's death by calling out his baptismal name three times. If there is no response, then a death certificate is authorised. Traditionally, the camerlengo would gently tap the pope's head with a silver hammer. The Vatican forbids post-mortem examinations being carried out on popes so the body will remain largely untouched. Photographs or film of the pope either on his sickbed or after death are forbidden. If the deceased pope has made a will and has named an executor, that executor will give an account of his activities only to the new pope. Sealing the papal desk Following the death being certified, the camerlengo supervises the locking of the papal desk. He is also responsible for sealing the doors of his apartment with red ribbons. This happens for every pope after his death and is an old practice traced back to antiquity, which symbolises that nothing in the Church can be done in the period between the death of the old pope and election of the new pope. When the next pope is elected, the ribbons will be removed and the Vatican apartment will be unsealed. Destroying the papal seal The camerlengo cuts the papal ring with a pair of shears in the presence of other cardinals. The ring is known as the Piscatory Ring, or the Ring of the Fisherman. It is part of the official regalia worn by the pope, who is the successor to St Peter, a fisherman by trade. Since at least the Middle Ages, it has been traditional for the faithful meeting the pope to show their devotion by kissing the ring. There are many reasons why the ring is cut. Among the most important is to ensure that it, as a signet ring, cannot be used in the forging of documents. The ring-cutting also symbolises the ending of the late pope's authority and tenure. Each ring is unique to each pope and is buried with him. Alerting the world Following the official determination of the pope's death, the Vatican then begins to share the news globally. The pope's death is made public by alerting a number of individuals, including: the cardinal vicar for the Diocese of Rome, the dean of the College of Cardinals (who share the news with the rest of the cardinal college), the ambassadors of the Holy See and the heads of nations. To mark a pope's death, the bells of St Peter's Basilica will toll and Vatican flags will fly at half-mast. The body of the deceased pope is then placed in the Apostolic Palace for members of the Curia to mourn, before being moved to St. Peter's Basilica to allow pilgrims to pay their last respects. When will the Pope's funeral be held? The funeral, which is held in St Peter's Square, must take place between four and six days after the death of the pope – except in the case of unspecified 'special reasons', according to new rules established in 1996. There is an official nine-day period of mourning from the day of his death. Each pope gives specific instructions for the camerlengo to execute following his death. A pope's funeral is a state funeral as he is the head of the Vatican City state. Many world leaders as well as other delegates and dignitaries are expected to attend, as well as the cardinals who are responsible for selecting the new pope. Lying in state and burial Following the funeral, arrangements are made for the pope's body to lie in state. Only after this will a pope be buried. In recent centuries, most popes have chosen to be buried beneath St. Peter's Basilica. Following the funeral, the coffin –which is lined with lead and can weigh around half-a-tonne – is carried through the 'door of death' on the left side of the main altar in the basilica. A single bell is then tolled.
