What does the current Pope's ring look like? Any pictures available? What engraving or pictures are on it?

-- Brandon (brandowhite@hotmail.com), January 16, 2004

Answers

-- (top@top.top), January 17, 2004.

I don't know if there are any close-up photos available, but here'a a description.

-- jake (j@k.e), January 17, 2004.

Actually the ring he wears every day is a simple gold ring hammered into the shape of a crucifix. The fisherman's ring is a signet ring used by the pope to seal documents similarly to the way the Great Seal of the United States is used. As was posted, it is engraved with the image of St. Peter fishing from a boat and encircled with the name of the reigning pope. When the pope dies, the ring is publically broken.

-- Bill Nelson (bnelson45@hotmail.com), January 17, 2004.

I've kissed it. :) As Bill said, it's very simple and gold, not at all what one might expect, least of all one who's seen some pretty ostentatious bishops' rings.

-- Skoo (anonymous@God.bless), January 18, 2004.

a friend of mine was told by a priest last week that the ring contains a piece of the crucifix upon which Christ was crucified, and that that is why one kisses it.

just an intersting tidbit i thought...

stefanie

-- stefanie (bellumswife77@aol.com), April 16, 2004.

The ring the pope normally wears is just a simple gold ring. You kiss the ring in a sign of love and fidelity to the pope (it comes from European chivalry). It has nothing to do with any supposed relics in the ring. Regular Cathlolics don't have to, it is optional.

-- Bill Nelson (bnelson45-nospam@hotmail.com), April 16, 2004.