Cardinal Robert Prevost has been elected the leader of the Catholic Church, adopting the chosen name of Pope Leo XIV. This follows the passing of Pope Francis, 88, in April.
During his first public mass at St Peter’s Square, Pope Leo XIV received the Fisherman’s Ring as the continuation of a unique jewellery tradition.
The Fisherman’s Ring is a signet ring worn by the Pope, a tradition which began in the 13th century. The name refers to St Peter the Apostle, who is considered the first pope in the Catholic tradition.
A signet ring is given to each Pope at the papal inauguration and was traditionally used to create a wax seal, guaranteeing the authenticity of letters and papal briefs.
The official practice was discontinued in 1842 in favour of a stamp; however, Popes have continued to wear the ring.
Pope Leo XIV’s ring is made of gold and is engraved with St Peter’s boat and his name. It is around 4.3 inches wide.
Interestingly, it is also customary to destroy the ring following a Pope’s death, due to its role in guaranteeing authenticity.
According to social media posts, a Vatican employee used a chisel to deface the seal of the ring worn by Pope Francis shortly after his death.
The papal inauguration once involved a crown that popes wore for more than 1,000 years. The papal tiara was last used by Pope Paul VI in 1963. This tiara, featuring pierced silver and three gold bands set with precious gemstones, was crafted by artisans in Milan.
Pope Paul VI set the tiara aside as a symbolic gift to the impoverished one year into his papacy, and no pope has been crowned since.
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