The death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday, April 22, 2025, brought to an end the papacy of a man who had long been recognized for his calls to reform the Catholic Church, his advocacy for the marginalized, and his deep commitment to humility. As the world mourned his loss, a series of deeply symbolic and traditional rituals were carried out, marking the end of his papacy and the beginning of the interregnum—the period between popes. One such ritual was the destruction of the pope’s Fisherman’s Ring, a centuries-old tradition that signifies the closing of the pontificate. But why exactly did Pope Francis’ ring need to be destroyed, and what does this tradition symbolize? Let’s explore this significant aspect of papal tradition and the simple yet profound funeral that honored the late pope’s legacy.
