Short Liturgy Notes: The Fisherman’s Ring of Pope Leo XIV

The image above is the ring that will be given to Pope Leo XIV to wear tomorrow during the Inauguration Mass to mark the beginning of the Petrine Ministry as Successor of Peter.

It is called the “Fisherman’s Ring” because Peter the Apostle, the first Pope, was a fisherman. After having had faith in the word of Jesus, Peter pulled the nets of the miraculous catch ashore from the boat.

* “Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.” So Simon Peter climbed back into the boat and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many, the net was not torn” (cf Jn. 21:10-11).

The ring, which is also the official seal of the Pope, again carries the particular meaning as a sign of authenticating the faith, confirming the brothers in the faith indicating the task entrusted to Peter by the Lord:

* “But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” (cf. Lk. 22 32)

This unique task of Peter is now transmitted to Pope Leo XIV, theologically symbolised in the Fisherman’s Ring that he will put on beginning tomorrow and throughout the rest of his papacy. It is destroyed only when the Pope dies.

The Fisherman’s Ring of Pope Leo XIV, on the outside layer, has the image of St. Peter holding the keys and also the nets of the fisherman. On the inside layer, it has the pope’s name, “LEO XIV” engraved, and also his papal coat of arms.

During the Mass, the Pope will also receive the Pallium, a little liturgical garment worn around the shoulders. The Pallium is worn around the shoulders because it symbolizes the lost lamb that the Good Shepherd carries around his shoulders in joy when it is found. The Pallium is a reminder that the Pope is to be that Good Shepherd to all God’s flock, all members of the Church.

* “And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbours together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep'” (cf Lk. 15:5-6).

© Ask The Catholic Priest