Policies & Issues

Here’s What Happened to Pope Francis’ Ring

Policies & IssuesMay 14, 2025

Here’s What Happened to Pope Francis’ Ring

Before Pope Leo XIV was elected, a centuries-old procedure regarding the late pontiff’s ring was followed.

Pope Francis
The late Pope Francis, seen here wearing a simple silver ring, often wore a gold-plated silver Fisherman’s Ring during papal ceremonies. The history of the Fisherman’s ring and the rules about what must be done with it after a pope dies date back centuries. (Image courtesy of the U.S. Embassy to the Holy See (Vatican)’s Facebook page)
New York—Cardinal Robert Prevost has been elected pope, the first American to lead the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics, and has chosen the name Pope Leo XIV.

Prevost officially will be installed as pontiff during his first public mass, scheduled for May 18 at St. Peter’s Square. 

He also will receive a Fisherman’s Ring. While details about his ring are not yet available, it will likely follow tradition and feature an image of St. Peter.

Before that process to elect a new pope began, however, there was another tradition involving Pope Francis’ ring that was honored. 

According to a post on X, on May 6, a Vatican employee used a chisel to deface the seal on Pope Francis’ ring in front of the camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church and the College of Cardinals in Synod Hall at the Vatican.

The camerlengo is the cardinal who serves as treasurer to the Holy See, which is the central governing body of the Catholic Church and Vatican City.

 

The meaning behind the pope’s ring, and its destruction, are steeped in history.

The tradition of the “Fisherman’s Ring,” the signet ring worn by the pope, dates back to the 13th century, according to Encyclopedia Britannica.

The name refers to St. Peter the Apostle, who was said to be a fisherman and is considered to be the first pope in Catholic tradition.

The signet ring is given to the pope at his papal inauguration.

Pope Francis, known for his reserved nature, eschewed tradition, opting for a gold-plated silver Fisherman’s Ring rather than a pure gold one, according to the National Catholic Reporter.

The ring features an image of St. Peter holding the keys to heaven, and was designed by artist Enrico Manfrini, as per the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).

St. Peter is said to be the guard at the gates of heaven, an image often depicted in religious art. The idea stems from a Bible passage (Matthew 16:19) in which Jesus tells Peter, “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven.”

Embed from Getty Images

Manfrini, who died in 2004, had made several medals and other pieces for Pope Paul VI (1963–78). The pope’s secretary, Archbishop Pasquale Macchi, kept a wax form of a ring that was never cast into metal.

According to the USCCB, the cast was given to Monsignor Ettore Malnati, who worked closely with Pope Paul VI. Malnati had a gold-plated silver ring made using the cast.

This ring was presented to the new Pope Francis and ultimately was the one he chose to be his Fisherman’s Ring.

It was presented to him at his Mass of Inauguration on March 19, 2013.

Choosing a gold-plated silver ring that already had been designed seems to be on brand for Pope Francis, who was known for avoiding the pomp and circumstance traditionally associated with the papacy and encouraged others to live a humbler life too.

During his Christmas homily in 2018, Pope Francis called on those in developed countries to live a less materialistic life.

“Let us ask ourselves: Do I really need all these material objects and complicated recipes for living? Can I manage without all these unnecessary extras and live a life of greater simplicity?” he said.

“For many people, life’s meaning is found in possessing, in having an excess of material objects. An insatiable greed marks all human history, even today, when, paradoxically, a few dine luxuriantly while all too many go without the daily bread needed to survive.”

 Related stories will be right here … 

It is customary to destroy the ring after a pope’s death because, like all signet rings, it historically was used as a wax seal, guaranteeing the authenticity of the pope’s letters and, later on, for papal briefs.

The pope’s practice of using his ring for the wax seal dates back to the 13th century, first mentioned in a letter written by Pope Clement IV (1265–68), according to Catholic World Online.

The practice was discontinued in 1842, and the popes from then on used a papal stamp.

Despite the switch to a stamp, the tradition of destroying the pope’s ring continued for more than a century. 

In 1996, Pope John Paul II (1978-2005) issued the “Universi Dominici Gregis,” an apostolic constitution that outlines what to do when the pontiff’s seat is vacant, including destroying the ring, and how to elect the next pope.

The custom of destroying the ring changed in 2013, when Pope Benedict XVI resigned. The cardinal camerlengo opted instead to mark a cross on the seal using a chisel, as was done with Pope Francis’ ring.

The Latest

The eight rings in Viviana Langhoff’s AU79 jewelry collection
CollectionsJun 03, 2025
In Her Latest Collection, Viviana Langhoff Is Leaning Into Gold

The designer is embracing bold pieces with weight to them in “AU79,” a collection she celebrated with a creative launch party.

Gold and diamond bangles on a pair of jeans
FinancialsJun 03, 2025
Signet Jewelers Sees Turnaround in Q1 With Sales Ticking Up 2%

On an earnings call, CEO J.K. Symancyk discussed what’s working for the company and how it’s preparing for the potential impact of tariffs.

Woman’s hand holding shopping bags
SurveysJun 03, 2025
Consumer Confidence Improves in May

The index partially rebounded after months of decline, due in part to the U.S.-China deal to temporarily reduce import tariffs.

DCA-student-cert-NJ1872x1052-2.png
Brought to you by
The True Power Behind the Counter: Why Sales Associates Are the Heart of the Jewelry Business

When investing in your jewelry business, it's important not to overlook the most crucial element of success: the sales associates.

Dakota Johnson as Roberto Coin Brand Ambassador
CollectionsJun 03, 2025
Dakota Johnson Is Roberto Coin’s New Brand Ambassador

The actress stars in the latest campaign set in Venice, Italy, and is set to participate in other creative initiatives for the jeweler.

Weekly QuizMay 30, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Mason Kay Jade necklace
GradingJun 03, 2025
Mason-Kay Jade Adds ‘Fei Cui’ to Jade Reports

The company has joined other labs, including GIA and Lotus Gemology, in adopting the Chinese term for "jadeite jade."

Gemfields ruby
SourcingJun 02, 2025
Gemfields’ June Auction to Include 36-Carat Ruby

The large stone will be offered at its June sale along with a selection of secondary-type rubies from a new area of the Montepuez mine.

Article Image 1.png
Brought to you by
Clienteling Isn’t a Buzzword. It’s an Essential Business Model.

More shoppers are walking out without buying. Here’s how smart jewelers can bring them back—and the tool they need to do it right.

Adobe Stock image of skyline of Bangkok, Thailand
GradingJun 02, 2025
GSI Opens New Lab in Thailand

Located in Bangkok, the laboratory is Gemological Science International’s 14th location worldwide.

Seaman Schepps pearl earrings
TrendsJun 02, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Three Gems for June

Those born in June have a myriad of options for their birthstone jewelry.

David Allouche
SourcingJun 02, 2025
David Allouche Joins Grandview Klein Diamonds

The diamond industry veteran has been named its senior sales executive.

Movado Connect 2.0 watches
FinancialsMay 30, 2025
Movado’s Q1 Sales Slip Amid ‘Challenging’ Retail Environment

The company plans to raise the prices of select watches to offset the impact of tariffs.

Renato Cipullo Hematite Blaze Necklace
CollectionsMay 30, 2025
Piece of the Week: Renato Cipullo’s ‘Hematite Blaze’ Necklace

Designed by founder Renato and his daughter Serena Cipullo, it showcases a flame motif representing unity and the power of gathering.

Britney Spears
CollectionsMay 29, 2025
Britney Spears Files Trademark for New Jewelry Line

The pop icon is one step closer to launching her “B Tiny” jewelry collection, a collection she first began posting about last fall.

Inoveo Platinum Grain image.jpg
Supplier BulletinMay 29, 2025
Inoveo Platinum Grain, Exclusively Distributed by Stuller

Sponsored by Stuller

Grizzly Mining Pilala emerald
SourcingMay 29, 2025
Grizzly Auctions 6,620-Carat Emerald

It was featured in the miner’s latest sale, which brought in $24.8 million.

GemFind Logo
TechnologyMay 29, 2025
GemFind Launches AI Product Description Software

GemText AI uses artificial intelligence to generate tailored product titles, descriptions, and tags with jewelry-specific language.

Graff Fontainebleau Las Vegas
MajorsMay 28, 2025
Graff Unveils New Las Vegas Flagship

The 3,300-square foot location is the jeweler's largest store in North America.

Kim Kardashian
CrimeMay 28, 2025
8 Convicted in Kim Kardashian Jewelry Heist Trial

Aging and with myriad health issues, none will serve time for their roles in robbing the billionaire celebrity at gunpoint in 2016.

New York Liberty 2024 WNBA Championship Ring
CollectionsMay 28, 2025
NY Liberty’s 2024 Championship Rings Honor Historic Win

The WNBA team received rings imbued with meaning, from leaf motifs and its Liberty torch to the number of diamonds used.

Jewelers Board of Trade logo
MajorsMay 28, 2025
Andrew Rickard Named JBT President

A longtime executive at RDI Diamonds, Rickard has served on the JBT board for the past five years.

Logos for Manufacturing Jewelers & Suppliers of America and Jewelers of America
MajorsMay 27, 2025
MJSA to Become Part of Jewelers of America

The two organizations have signed an affiliation agreement that’s expected to be finalized in the coming weeks.

Al Capone Pocket Watch
AuctionsMay 27, 2025
Al Capone’s Patek Philippe Pocket Watch Back Up for Auction

The platinum and diamond watch is part of Sotheby’s upcoming Important Watches sale.

Kat Florence Lumina
AuctionsMay 27, 2025
182-Carat Paraíba-Type Tourmaline Sells for $487K

Recovered in Mozambique, “The Kat Florence Lumina” was part of Bonhams’ Hong Kong jewelry auction held last week.

Mark Henry Gumdrop Bypass Ring
TrendsMay 27, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Candy-Colored Gemstones

Get a taste of the delicious candy-like gemstones in this Amanda’s Style File.

Stock image of police cars with their lights on
CrimeMay 23, 2025
JSA Shares Holiday Weekend Security Tips Amid Spike in Burglaries

JSA’s Scott Guginsky provided a list of nine security measures jewelers should observe while locking up for the long weekend.

Bliss Lau Bright Ring
CollectionsMay 23, 2025
Piece of the Week: Bliss Lau’s ‘Bright’ Ring

From Lau’s “Love of a Kind” series, the engagement ring was inspired by the moon and holds a different meaning depending on how it is worn.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy