The Pope’s Ring: What it symbolises and why it’s destroyed after his death

The death of a Pope triggers a centuries-old ritual involving the destruction of the Fisherman’s Ring, a symbol of papal authority since the 13th century. This solemn act, overseen by the Camerlengo, marks the end of the pontiff’s reign and safeguards the Church against misuse of his seal, preserving the integrity of the papacy

Explainers