Over the centuries, the church developed many rituals related to the office and the departure of the Pope. One of them concerns the special signature that the Church Head receives at the beginning of his function. The fisherman’s ring, the symbol of power, is not inherited. A special destruction procedure awaits him.
The name of the ring refers to a saint. Piotr was considered by tradition as the first pope to be a fisherman. The first historical reference to the fisherman’s ring comes from the 13th century. For centuries, this signal served as an official document, whose destruction marked the end of a particular pope.
See: Pope Francis’ health status. The Vatican has issued a new message
In addition to its management capabilities, the ring is iconic. In the Old Testament, signets are signs of power and authority, and are shown by the message of the Bible.
Signed by Francis Zeck. Unique version
Traditionally, fishermen’s rings were made of gold, but Pope Francis decided to sign a golden silver. It was a conscious change in his simple lifestyle spirit, giving up many traditional elements associated with the Pope.
What is the procedure to destroy the ring?
After the Pope’s death, the Cardinal Camelling plays an important role. His duties include the destruction of the ring belonging to the deceased leader of the Vatican (and its seal) performed with a special hammer. Encyclopaedia britannica provides two main reasons for this behavior. The first is the symbolic ending of a bishop in a particular church hierarchy. Second – Prevents the possibility of using a signal to forge documents.
See: The Pope’s decision sparked speculation. Benedict XVI did the same thing
Currently, Ireland’s Cardinal Kevin Farrell is performing the functions of a Camelling. In the case of Francis’ death or resignation, he will be in charge of temporary management of the community until the election of a new Bishop of Rome. He will also oversee the funeral and the organization of Conclave.
Francis introduced several changes to the performance of the Pope’s office, but some elements remain the same over the centuries. The procedure for destroying the fisherman’s ring is one of them – it is both symbolic of the continuity of the service of the saint’s successor. Announcement of the next chapter in Piotr, and the history of the Church.
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