The fisherman’s ring
The fisherman’s ring, translated from Latin as anulus piscatoris, is also known as the papal ring, papal signet ring, and the ring of St. Peter. It is an attribute of the pope’s attire, along with the tiara.
The papal ring is intended to remind the pope that he is the successor of the apostle Peter, who was a fisherman by trade. The ring typically depicts Saint Peter casting his fishing nets, followed by the inscription “Fisherman’s Ring” and the pontiff’s chosen name. The symbolism echoes Christ’s words that his disciples would become fishers of human souls.
The first mention of the “papal ring” appears in a letter from Clement IV to his nephew in 1265.
Until the mid-19th century, the ring was used as a seal to authenticate papal letters of a personal nature. For official documents, a different personal seal was used – the bulla (or lead seal, which later gave the document its name). Both the “fisherman’s ring” and the bulla are always made anew for a newly elected pontiff. Each new ring (usually gold) is crafted from a unique design, created with the participation of the person who will wear this jewelry and symbol of power throughout his or her papal tenure. The new ring is presented to the new pope during his coronation or enthronement by the Dean of the College of Cardinals. Each pope decides for himself or herself when to wear the ring. This ring is not typically worn daily.
After the death of the pontiff, the ring is smashed with a silver hammer in a solemn ceremony in the presence of the cardinals. Today, the destruction of the “fisherman’s ring” is viewed by many Catholics as merely a long-standing tradition, but it arose to prevent any forgery of documents in the name of the deceased pontiff during the conclave.
The ring, which dates back to time immemorial and symbolizes the continuity of ecclesiastical authority, is also worn by the current Pope, although he requested that his own fisherman’s ring be made of gilded silver. The reason for this is the asceticism to which the current pontiff strives to adhere.
Benedict XVI drew inspiration from Michelangelo’s work when deciding on an oval ring—the shape of the square in front of St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican. Over the course of two weeks, eight artisans, under the direction of goldsmith Claudio Franchi, crafted the ring. 35 grams of pure gold were used in its creation. The signet depicts Saint Peter casting his net into the waters of the Sea of Galilee, along with the Latin inscription “Benedictus,” meaning “blessed.”
