Why Pope Francis’ ring must be destroyed with a hammer after his death
An ancient tradition explains why this symbolic act matters more than the ring’s value
Pope Francis has died at age 88, and as part of a centuries-old Vatican tradition, his gold papal ring will soon be destroyed with a hammer.
The Catholic Church is preparing to lay Pope Francis to rest after his death on Easter Monday. While the world remembers his kindness, humility, and leadership, attention is now turning to one very specific—and symbolic—ritual: the destruction of his Fisherman’s Ring.
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, passed away in his Vatican residence at 7:35 AM on April 21 due to a cerebral stroke that led to a coma and heart failure. Since his election in 2013, he had lived modestly, refusing the luxurious papal apartments in favor of simpler quarters.
He wore the Fisherman’s Ring on his right hand—a gold signet ring worth around $520,000. But its true value wasn’t in the gold—it was in what it represented: the pope’s authority as the leader of the Catholic Church.
Why destroy the pope’s ring?
This isn’t about disrespect or loss—it’s about protection. The Fisherman’s Ring, once used to seal official documents, was a personal symbol of the pope’s power. After the pope dies, tradition requires that the ring be destroyed so it can’t be used for fraud or forged documents.
The ritual is performed by the camerlengo—currently Cardinal Kevin Farrell—who smashes the ring with a special hammer. This happens in front of the College of Cardinals once the pope’s death is officially confirmed, just before the process begins to elect the next pope.
A centuries-old tradition with lasting meaning
The act of breaking the ring goes back hundreds of years. While modern popes no longer use the ring to seal letters, the ritual remains deeply symbolic. It marks the end of one papacy and the beginning of the search for a new spiritual leader.
The papal conclave, where cardinals gather to elect a new pope, usually begins 15 to 20 days after the pope’s death. Until then, the Vatican enters a period known as sede vacante, or “the seat being vacant.”
In a statement shared through Sky News, Cardinal Farrell said: “His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with faithfulness, courage, and universal love, especially for the poorest and most marginalized.”
As millions around the world mourn his loss, they also remember a pope who embraced simplicity and compassion. His last public appearance, just weeks before his passing, left many touched by his warmth and message of peace.
While the ring will be shattered, Pope Francis’ legacy remains unbreakable. His life of service, humility, and love continues to inspire Catholics and non-Catholics alike.
The ritual destruction of his ring is not the end—but a powerful sign that the Church is preparing for its next chapter, while holding tightly to the lessons he leaves behind.
