Ring of the Fisherman

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Pope Leo XIV waves during the inaugural Mass of his pontificate, held in St. Peter’s Square on May 18, 2025. He stands in front of a Flemish tapestry depicting the dialogue between Jesus and Peter after the miraculous catch of fish.

A papacy begins: Pope Leo XIV calls for united Church at inaugural Mass

May 18, 2025

By Hannah Brockhaus

Pope Leo XIV, the first U.S.-born pontiff, began his papacy with a richly-symbolic inaugural Mass, celebrated at the Vatican before... Read more

The papal fisherman’s ring and lead seal are nulled during the 12th general congregation of the College of Cardinals on Tuesday, May 6, 2025.

Cardinals witness destruction of Pope Francis’ ring, seal

May 6, 2025

By Hannah Brockhaus

The ring and seal are destroyed or nulled after a pope’s death to prevent their future misuse to seal official... Read more

Pope Francis says Mass in the Holy House of Loreto, March 25, 2019.

Why do people kiss the pope's ring?

Mar 27, 2019

By Hannah Brockhaus

The Vatican press office declined to comment after a video went viral this week showing the pope refusing to allow... Read more