AuctionsMar 12, 2025
A Medieval Bishop’s Sapphire Ring Is Going Up for SalePolicies & 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.
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.
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.
Come tradizione in tempo di Sede Vacante, questa mattina nell’Aula del Sinodo sono stati annullati l’Anello del Pescatore e il Sigillo di piombo di Papa Francesco alla presenza del Camerlengo di Santa Romana Chiesa e del Collegio dei Cardinali. pic.twitter.com/LAED4vlrcN
— Segreteria di Stato della Santa Sede (@TerzaLoggia) May 6, 2025
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.”
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.
More on Policies & Issues
The Latest
EditorsJun 09, 2026
Q&A: Al Cook on the Lab-Grown ‘Bubble,’ Dwindling Diamond Supply The De Beers Group CEO also discussed tariffs, Desert Diamonds, and the pending sale of De Beers in an interview with Michelle Graff.
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Wilkerson's Russ Whitehouse RetiresThe industry veteran is bringing his 56-year run in the fine jewelry sector to an end.
Events & AwardsJun 09, 2026
Pride Month Panel to Highlight LGBTQ+ Jewelry VoicesThe panel discussion will feature LGBTQ+ leaders across the jewelry, luxury, and creative industries.
Brought to you by
All Eyes on Gold Prices. Alternatives to Look For. And What to BEWARE of in VegasAs gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.
CollectionsJun 09, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg’s New Capsule Collection Is a Smash, LiterallyInspired by a locket that got run over, the “Smash” capsule collection reimagines the shape of Lichtenberg’s signature style.
Weekly QuizJun 05, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Frederick Goldman Names Director of Sales for SoutheastThe company has promoted Katherine Whitacre to the role.
MajorsJun 08, 2026
Stuller Expands Selection of Lab-Grown Diamonds, Demi-Fine JewelryThe jewelry manufacturer has added Taylor Swift-esque diamond shapes, and more silver, gold vermeil, and gold-plated jewelry.
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry RetailersWith the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.
SourcingJun 08, 2026
Sally Morrison to Depart De Beers This Summer Morrison has been marketing diamonds on and off since the early 2000s and said she is leaving to “pursue new projects.”
TrendsJun 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: June’s Birthstone TrioThose born in June can celebrate with pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone jewelry.
TechnologyJun 08, 2026
Overnight Mountings Launches Ring Builder PlatformThe platform allows retailers to guide clients through a customizable engagement ring buying experience in a branded interface.
IndependentsJun 05, 2026
Pennsylvania Jewelry Store To Close After 79 YearsJim Springer, owner of Dunkelberger’s Fine Jewelry, is heading into retirement.
SurveysJun 05, 2026
Consumers to Cut Back on Spending Amid Rising Prices, Survey Shows When conducting its May consumer confidence survey, The Conference Board asked extra questions about consumers’ budgeting strategies.
CollectionsJun 05, 2026
Rebel Jewelry’s Charm Symbolizes Perseverance for Pride MonthThe “Tunnel” charm, our Piece of the Week, celebrates Pride Month with its design inspired by hope and the light at the end of the tunnel.
SourcingJun 05, 2026
State of Diamonds: The Way Forward for Natural DiamondsThe jewelry industry is reassessing its positioning as Gen Z reshapes the retail landscape and lab grown continues to gain market share.
AuctionsJun 04, 2026
Treasures from Maurice Tempelsman’s ‘Marvelous’ Life Head to AuctionUp for auction at Sotheby’s, the collection of Tempelsman’s personal effects includes a Cartier Tank watch Jackie O. gifted him.
CollectionsJun 04, 2026
Buddha Mama to Spend the Summer in AspenThe Miami-based fine jewelry brand will host its first summer residency in the Colorado mountain town from June 5 to Aug. 23.
MajorsJun 04, 2026
AGS Honors Late Peter Yantzer, Holds Time Capsule CeremonyThe organization also announced its international board of directors for the 2026-2027 term.
MajorsJun 04, 2026
Neiman Marcus’ Downtown Dallas Store to Close in SeptemberSaks Global confirmed the closure this week, spelling the end for a store that’s been part of downtown Dallas for more than 100 years.
ColumnistsJun 03, 2026
Peter Smith: When Top Talent Leaves and What It Says About YouSmith discusses how managers should handle a top performer's exit, warning that a poor response could have a lasting impact.
GradingJun 03, 2026
GIA’s Tracr Investment Is First Step Toward Industry-Owned PlatformThe Gemological Institute of America is now a 30 percent stakeholder in Tracr, the De Beers-backed blockchain for diamonds.
WatchesJun 03, 2026
The 1916 Company Taking Pre-Owned Rolexes on the Road, AgainThe retailer is bringing Rolex Certified Pre-Owned watches to five U.S. cities in 2026 for collectors to see, try on, and purchase.
IndependentsJun 03, 2026
Jessica Alba Is the New Face of Gabriel & Co.The actress and entrepreneur stars in the jeweler’s new campaign that celebrates life’s quiet moments.
TrendsJun 03, 2026
State of Design: Only the Innovative Will SurviveThe price of gold has risen, affecting the number of pieces designers make, the materials they use, and how they position themselves.
FinancialsJun 02, 2026
Signet Jewelers’ Q1 Sales Up 2% As It Focuses on ‘Core Four’ The jewelry retailer is zeroing in on Zales, Jared, Kay Jewelers, and Blue Nile as it looks to create unique brand identities for each.
SourcingJun 02, 2026
Leader Appointed for Botswana’s Diamonds for Development Fund Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, a development economist, will head the fund created to help Botswana diversify its economy.
WatchesJun 02, 2026
Watch Industry Veteran James Marks Joins Sotheby’sSotheby’s has appointed the former Phillips executive as its global head of private sales and retail in its watches division.
