Skip to primary navigationSkip to main contentSkip to footer
Lester Martin logo
  • Engagement
    • Shop Complete Rings
    • Find Your Diamond
    • Start With the Ring Setting
    • Diamond Education
  • Collections
    • 302
    • Alisa
    • Ashi
    • Dugout Mugs
    • Barbela Design
    • Bassali
    • Chisel
    • Citizen
    • Cosi Bella Coins
    • Dilamani
    • Elysium
    • Ever & Ever
    • Fingerprint Jewelry
    • Hidalgo
    • La Vie
    • Lafonn
    • Leslie's
    • Lester Martin Collection
    • Meira T.
    • Lightning Ridge Opal
    • Mova Globes
    • Reflection Beads
    • Religious Collection
    • Rembrandt Charms
    • Roger Dery Gem Design
    • Romance Diamond
    • Royal Chain
    • Shardz
    • Stuller
  • Jewelry
    • LMJ Deals and Steals
    • Engagement
        Complete Diamond Engagement RingsSemi-mount Diamond Engagement RingsAnniversary Bands
    • Wedding Bands
        Diamond Wedding BandsGemstone Wedding BandsGold Wedding BandsAlternative Metal Rings
    • Pendants
        Diamond PendantsGemstone PendantsGold PendantsSilver PendantsReligious Pendants
    • Charms and Charm Bracelets
        CharmsCharm Bracelets
    • Earrings
        Diamond EarringsGemstone EarringsPearl EarringsGold EarringsSilver EarringsPiercing Earrings
    • Necklaces
        Diamond NecklacesGemstone NecklacesPearl NecklacesGold NecklacesSilver NecklacesFamily NecklacesReligious Necklaces
    • Chains
    • Rings
        Diamond Fashion RingsGemstone Fashion RingsPearl RingsGold Fashion RingsSilver Fashion RingsFamily Rings
    • Bracelets
        Diamond BraceletsGemstone BraceletsPearl BraceletsGold BraceletsSilver BraceletsAnkletsFamily BraceletsReligious BraceletsBangle BraceletsChain Bracelets
    • Estate Jewelry
    • Giftware
        CrystalGold Dipped Roses
    • Men's Section
        Men's NecklacesMen's ShavingMen's BraceletsMen's AccessoriesClasps
    • Watches
        Women's WatchesMen's WatchesUnisex WatchesWatch Bands
    • Accessories
        Cleaning SuppliesWomen's Accessories
    • Eternity Bands
  • Education
    • Jewelry Education
    • Diamond Education
      • The Four Cs of Diamonds
      • Diamond Buying Tips
    • Choosing The Right Setting
    • Learn About Gemstones
      • Birthstone Guide
      • Gemstone Guide
    • Precious Metals
    • Jewelry Care
      • Caring for Fine Jewelry
      • Diamond Cleaning
      • Gemstone Cleaning
    • Anniversary Guide
    • Gold Buying Guide
  • About
    • About Us
    • Events
    • Our Blog
    • Diamonds Do Good
    • Services
    • Testimonials
    • Jewelry Insurance
  • Contact
  • AccountToggle My Account Menu
    Forgot Password?

    Don't have an account? Sign up now

  • SearchToggle Search Menu
  • Wish ListToggle My Wishlist

    You have no items in your wish list.

    Browse
  • Bag (0)Toggle Shopping Cart Menu
  1. Home
  2. Blog
  3. Pope Leo XIV to Get His Fisherman's Ring at Sunday's Inauguration Ceremony

Pope Leo XIV to Get His Fisherman's Ring at Sunday's Inauguration Ceremony

Published: May 15, 2025
Pope Leo XIV to Get His Fisherman's Ring at Sunday's Inauguration Ceremony
Author: 
LMJ Blog Team

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).

Categories
  • Previous Article
  • Next Article
Lester Martin Address
Lester Martin Jewelers
1650 Limekiln Pike B27
Dreshertown Plaza
Dresher, PA 19025
(267) 470-4771
ValentinesW
CLOSED: Sat 5/24 Fri & Sat 5/30 & 5
Store Information
Store Hours

Tuesday - By Appointment Only

Friday:Closed Graduation Day Closure
Saturday:Closed Graduation Day Closure
Sunday:Closed
Monday:Closed
Tuesday:Closed
Wednesday:10:00am - 5:00pm
Thursday:10:00am - 5:00pm
Jewelry
  • LMJ Deals and Steals
  • Engagement
  • Wedding Bands
  • Pendants
  • Charms and Charm Bracelets
  • Earrings
  • Necklaces
  • Chains
  • Rings
  • Bracelets
  • Estate Jewelry
  • Giftware
  • Men's Section
  • Watches
  • Accessories
  • Eternity Bands
Collections
  • 302
  • Alisa
  • Stocking Stuffers. Most Items Below $75
  • Ashi
  • Dugout Mugs
  • Barbela Design
  • Bassali
  • Chisel
  • Citizen
  • Cosi Bella Coins
  • Dilamani
  • Elysium
  • Ever & Ever
  • Fingerprint Jewelry
  • Hidalgo
  • La Vie
  • Lafonn
  • Leslie's
  • Lester Martin Collection
  • Meira T.
  • Lightning Ridge Opal
  • Men's Shaving
  • Mova Globes
  • Reflection Beads
  • Religious Collection
  • Rembrandt Charms
  • Roger Dery Gem Design
  • Romance Diamond
  • Royal Chain
  • Shardz
  • Stuller
  • Valentine's Day Gifts
Our Store
  • About Us
  • Events
  • Services
  • Privacy Policy
  • Return Policy
Mailing List

Sign up for special offers and discounts

© 2025 Lester Martin. All Rights Reserved. Website designed, maintained, and hosted by Punchmark. Accessibility Statement.

Learn how we use cookies in our Privacy Policy or manage cookie preferences.