Pope Francis’ Fisherman’s Ring — kissed by countless followers — is about to meet its end following the pontiff's death at the age of 88.
The Vatican has entered a period of ancient tradition and profound ceremony following the death of Pope Francis, who passed away at 88 on Easter Monday, April 21, after suffering a stroke, which led to a coma and irreversible heart failure.
The pontiff, adored by millions around the globe, had been battling a respiratory illness for weeks leading up to his final day.
The solemn news was delivered by Camerlengo Cardinal Kevin Farrell, declared to the world: “Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis.
"At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father.”
Paying tribute to the late pontiff’s legacy, Farrell reflected on a life devoted to faith. He said Francis had dedicated his “entire life” to God and the Catholic Church, urging the global community to honour his memory by embracing “the values of the Gospel with faithfulness, courage, and universal love, especially for the poorest and most marginalised.”
In line with sacred Vatican tradition, the “Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis” — Latin for “Rite of Burial for Roman Pontiffs” — has now been activated, triggering a cascade of centuries-old rites and rituals.
In a ritual stretching back centuries, the symbolic signet ring, worn by Pope Francis throughout his 12-year reign, will be destroyed.
The move is more than just tradition — it’s practical.
The first mention of the Fisherman’s Ring was back in the 13th century. Historically, the Fisherman’s Ring (or Ring of the Fisherman), alongside a pendant known as the bulla, was used to seal papal briefs.
Smashed with a hammer upon a pope’s death, this ensured no forgeries could emerge in the power vacuum. “It’s the equivalent of taking the login details away from a social media account,” per CNN’s Vatican correspondent, Christopher Lamb.
This symbolic act dates back to 1521, and the destruction of the papal ring is and was non-negotiable... that was, until Pope Benedict XVI broke from tradition by resigning, rather than dying in office.
Instead of smashing his ring, a deep cross was carved into its face and bestowed to Pope Francis. This ring - given to each Pope at their inauguration - depicts Saint Peter in a boat.
“I think there was a feeling that it was unnecessary to destroy the ring,” said Lamb, adding that fears of someone impersonating a dead pope have faded over time.
Now, the ring that represented Francis' papal authority will be defaced, not demolished, by Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell, the Irish-born Camerlengo appointed by Francis himself in 2023.
A Reign of Modesty
Unlike many of his predecessors, Pope Francis didn’t wear the ring daily.
While Pope Benedict XVI regularly donned his, and John Paul II famously swapped between versions, Francis kept things simple. He wore his Fisherman’s Ring at official events, but day-to-day, he opted for a modest silver ring he’d worn since his time as a cardinal.
There were even questions about whether Francis liked having the ring kissed. In 2019, he was caught on video pulling his hand away from followers attempting the act.
The Vatican later said he simply wanted to avoid spreading germs. Lamb explained Francis was never one to demand traditional gestures of reverence, preferring hugs, handshakes, and heartfelt connections.
And when it came to the ring’s design, Francis ditched opulence for something “recycled.”
Instead of commissioning a new piece, he chose a gold-plated silver ring once owned by Archbishop Pasquale Macchi — the secretary to Pope Paul VI. Most popes go for custom-made, gold masterpieces; Francis reportedly wanted one with history, humility, and less glitz.
A Death in the Digital Age
Francis died just one day after appearing in St Peter’s Square on Easter Sunday, blessing the crowds from his wheelchair. Despite declining health, he stayed present until the very end — refusing to retire.
Now, the Vatican is preparing for one of the most secretive and scrutinized events in religious history: the Conclave.
But first, there’s protocol. And a lot of it.
The moment a pope dies, his private quarters are sealed. A red ribbon is threaded through the doors of his apartment — or in Francis’ case, his modest two-room suite in the Domus Sanctae Marthae guesthouse — and sealed with hot wax.
It’s a measure designed to prevent looting and unauthorized access, even within the fortress of Vatican City.
Francis rejected the Apostolic Palace — a 12-room penthouse with sweeping views of Rome — in favor of a more humble abode. He dined communally and kept his daily life low-key. But he still used the grand papal library for official visits and waved to crowds from that iconic window every Sunday.
Once the seal is in place, Cardinal Farrell informs the Cardinal Vicar for Rome, who then announces the death to the world.
What Happens Now?
Francis left behind a will, which will be safeguarded by Cardinal Farrell until it’s read aloud at the College of Cardinals' first meeting. While popes technically earn a salary — reportedly around £290,000 a year — Francis refused his, instructing that it be returned to the Church or given to charity.
Despite this, his papal office held assets like cars, an apartment, and ceremonial clothing, bringing his net worth to an estimated £12 million.
Nine days of mourning also follows the death of a pope, with Pope Francis' funeral expected between April 24 and April 27.
True to form, Francis rejected the extravagance of past papal burials. He requested a simple wooden coffin lined with zinc, rather than the traditional triple-coffin burial of cypress, lead, and oak.
And he won’t be buried beneath St Peter’s Basilica. Instead, his final resting place will be the Basilica of St Mary Major in Rome, where he frequently prayed.
Only after the funeral can the Conclave begin.
Of the Church’s 252 cardinals, 140 are under the age of 80 and eligible to vote. Just 120 will be selected. They’ll enter the Sistine Chapel, where two stoves will burn every ballot and emit smoke — black for no decision, white when a new pope is chosen.
The moment white smoke rises, the world will know: the Catholic Church has a new leader.
Until then, Francis’ recycled ring — kissed by millions and steeped in centuries of tradition — will be struck through with a chisel, marking the end of an era, and the beginning of another.