Papal ring, insignia destroyed at cardinals’ final meeting

Cardinals witness destruction of Pope Francis’ ring, seal

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

Papal ring, insignia destroyed at cardinals’ final meeting

VATICAN CITY (CNS) – On the eve of the conclave that will decide the next pontiff, the ring and lead seal of the late Pope Francis were destroyed. In a video released by the Vatican May 6, an unidentified woman scratched a cross on the papal ring, known as the fisherman’s ring, as well as on a lead seal bearing the papal insignia used to mark Pope Francis’ letters. When asked why the destruction of the ring and the seal took place at the meeting…

Cardinals Witness Destruction of Pope Francis’ Ring, Seal

Vatican Media 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. The fisherman’s ring is one of several rings typically worn by the Roman pontiff.

VATICAN CITY On the eve of the conclave that will decide the next pontificf, the ring and lead seal of the late Pope Francis were destroyed in the presence of members of the College of Cardinals in the Vatican Hall.In a video released by the Vatican May 6, an unidentified woman scratched a cross on the papal ring, known as the fisherman"s ring, as well as a lead seal bearing the papal awarded to mark Pope Francis" letters.

One day before the beginning of the conclave, the Vatican broke the ring of the fisherman of Pope Francis in an unusual ceremony, officially marking the end of his pontificate.

The Ring of the Fisherman and the seals of Pope Francis, symbol of the pontifical power, have been annulled this Tuesday, sixteen days after his death, has confirmed the spokesman of the Holy See, Matteo Bruni, a day before the conclave to elect a new pontiff. The ring has been annulled by having a cross on its surface by a woman whose identity has not transcended, during one of the meetings or congregations of cardinals in the Hall of the Synod…