Why Pope Francis’ signet ring will be destroyed following his death

As tradition dictates, the late pontiff’s signet ring will be destroyed — or defaced, at least — within the walls of the Vatican following his death on Easter Monday.

With a history dating back to at least the 13th century, the Fisherman’s Ring is among the most recognizable items of papal regalia. Named after St. Peter, who was a fisherman and, according to the Catholic tradition, the first pope, it was worn by Pope Francis to ceremonial events throughout his 12-year reign. Countless devoted followers kissed it. It even sparked a controversy over hygiene. Now, as tradition dictates, the late pontiff’s signet ring will be destroyed — or defaced, at least — within the walls of the Vatican following his death, aged 88, on Easter Monday. It is a ritual with practical roots. The Fisherman’s Ring and a pendant called the bulla traditionally served as official seals for official letters and documents known as papal briefs. New ones were issued to each incoming pope, and to prevent letters or decrees being forged posthumously, both would be smashed with a hammer upon his death. From 1521 until 2013, this is precisely what happened. “It’s the equivalent of taking the login details away from a social media account,” said Christopher Lamb, CNN’s Vatican correspondent. “That’s what it was about — it was to stop pretenders using false seals on documents.” By convention, the Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, a senior cardinal appointed to oversee the transition, would destroy the ring and bulla in the presence of the College of Cardinals after announcing the pope’s passing. This practice continued long after the objects ceased to be used as seals (they were functionally replaced by a stamp in the mid-19th century). But when Francis’ predecessor Pope Benedict XVI became the first ever pope to resign in six centuries, a new tradition was established: A deep cross was carved into the ring’s surface with a chisel.