Why Pope Francis's signet ring must be destroyed with a silver hammer

Pope Francis was buried at the Basilica of St. Mary Major on Saturday afternoon. The pontiff does not wear his ring in his coffin. Why?

Why Pope Francis's signet ring must be destroyed with a silver hammer

Among the traditions that mark the funeral preparations for Pope Francis is the destruction of his signet ring, the Ring of the Fisherman

Since the beginning of his pontificate, Pope Francis had worn a ring, called "the fisherman's ring", which must be broken before the conclave.

It is a tradition: as soon as a pope dies, his ring is destroyed. Here are the explanations. ...

After the death of Pope Francis, the Vatican will observe one of the oldest papal traditions: The Fisherman's Ring, a symbol of papal authority, will be destroyed. The ritual, with practical and symbolic origins, officially marks the end of the pontificate and is intended to prevent the forgery of papal documents.

The fisherman's ring, one of the most recognizable papal symbols, will be destroyed after the death of Pope Francis in accordance with tradition.