As the world turns its eyes to St. Peter’s Square this Sunday, a centuries-old tradition will unfold before a global audience. During his inauguration Mass on May 18, Pope Leo XIV — the first American-born pontiff — will receive the Fisherman’s Ring, a powerful and enigmatic symbol of papal authority and humility that has intrigued theologians, historians and jewelers for generations.
The Fisherman’s Ring, or Anulus Piscatoris, dates back to at least the 13th century. Historically used as a signet to seal papal documents, it bears the image of Saint Peter — himself a fisherman by trade — casting a net from a boat, a direct reference to Jesus’ call for his apostles to become "fishers of men." Etched with the new pope’s Latin name, the ring today is more ceremonial than functional, but its spiritual weight remains. (The image, above, is an AI-generated illustration of what Pope Leo XIV's ring might look like.)
Over time, the ring has come to represent the divine authority conferred upon the pope as the successor of Saint Peter. Traditionally cast in gold, Pope Leo XIV's predecessor chose an alternative metal as a statement of humility. Pope Francis famously opted for a recycled gold-plated silver ring, emphasizing simplicity over splendor.
Born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, Pope Leo XIV is known for his pastoral sensibilities and academic background in canon law. All eyes will be on the ring finger of his right hand this Sunday, as the world gets its first glimpse at the material and design he has chosen for his Fisherman’s Ring (also known as the Piscatory Ring).
Observers say Leo XIV’s ring maintains the traditional Saint Peter motif but features additional engravings — waves and fish — that suggest a pastoral emphasis and nod to prophecies about spiritual renewal. Vatican watchers speculate that these symbols may signal a return to core Gospel values, reminiscent of Pope Francis’s legacy.
Perhaps one of the most dramatic traditions involving the Fisherman’s Ring is its destruction upon a pope’s death. In a solemn ritual performed in front of the College of Cardinals, the Camerlengo — keeper of the papal household — destroys the ring with a ceremonial silver hammer. This act symbolizes the end of the pope’s authority and ensures no future documents are fraudulently sealed in his name. Pope Francis’ ring was destroyed just weeks ago, following his passing on Easter Monday.
For the jewelry world, the Fisherman’s Ring is a masterclass in meaning layered over metal. Though its monetary value may be speculative — some say upwards of $500,000 — its spiritual and historical significance is priceless.
Credits: AI-generated conceptual image of the Fisherman's Ring by The Jeweler Blog using ChatGPT and DALL-E 3. Pope Leo XIV photo by Edgar Beltrán / The Pillar, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons (cropped).
