Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle presented the Ring of the Fisherman to Pope Leo XIV during the inauguration Mass, marking the official start of the new pope’s ministry.
The event happened at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, where world religious leaders, dignitaries, and thousands of faithful gathered.
The ceremony followed Pope Leo XIV’s election as the new head of the Roman Catholic Church.
The ring, known as the Ring of the Fisherman, bears the image of Saint Peter casting a net, symbolizing the pope’s mission to lead and evangelize.
It serves both as a symbol of authority and a seal for official papal documents.
Tagle, currently Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, played a key role during the liturgical rite.
The Vatican chose him to present the ring, acknowledging his prominent position in the Church and his strong ties to global Catholic communities.
The presentation of the ring formed part of the formal rites traditionally observed when a new pope assumes office.
The act reinforced the continuity of papal leadership rooted in apostolic tradition.
The ceremony took place shortly after the conclave elected Pope Leo XIV, who succeeded Pope Francis.
Vatican officials emphasized the significance of the event in maintaining Church traditions and governance.
The Vatican did not release the exact date of the ceremony, but it happened shortly after the announcement of the new pope’s election.
No issues or controversies surrounded the event. The ceremony proceeded in accordance with established Church protocol.
Cardinal Tagle’s participation highlighted the growing role of Asian clergy in the global Church.
The Vatican continues to emphasize representation and diversity in its leadership.
The ring now rests on the finger of Pope Leo XIV, who will use it throughout his pontificate for ceremonial and administrative purposes.
It is called the Fisherman’s Ring because it features an image of Saint Peter, a fisherman by trade and the first pope, casting his net.
The ring symbolizes the pope’s role as the successor of Saint Peter, spiritual leadership, and authority within the Catholic Church.
When a pope dies, the Fisherman’s Ring is ceremonially destroyed to prevent forgery of official documents and to mark the end of his papacy.
Keep Reading: Pope Leo XIV Greets the World With ‘Peace Be With You’ in First Appearance at Vatican
Leave a Reply