Pope Francis doesn't always wear the Fisherman's Ring?

[JRTJ]

Hello all

I noticed today that Pope Francis doesn’t always wear the Fisherman’s Ring in public.
Has anyone else noticed? He often wears his ‘normal ring’.
What do you think about this? Shouldn’t the Pope wear his Ring from the start of his Pontificate to his death/resignation? Isn’t that what he’s supposed to do?

Photos here:

Pope Francis’ Fisherman’s ring: rcan.org/images//advocate/Pope%20Ring.jpg

His audience from the other day (Jan. 22nd) (there are many more occasions in which he hasn’t worn it, but here’s one): rt.com/news/internet-gift-god-pope-095/

I’ve found nothing on the internet regarding this Ring issue.

 

[Filii_Dei]

Hello all

I noticed today that Pope Francis doesn’t always wear the Fisherman’s Ring in public.
Has anyone else noticed? He often wears his ‘normal ring’.
What do you think about this? Shouldn’t the Pope wear his Ring from the start of his Pontificate to his death/resignation? Isn’t that what he’s supposed to do?

Photos here:

Pope Francis’ Fisherman’s ring: rcan.org/images//advocate/Pope%20Ring.jpg

His audience from the other day (Jan. 22nd) (there are many more occasions in which he hasn’t worn it, but here’s one): rt.com/news/internet-gift-god-pope-095/

I’ve found nothing on the internet regarding this Ring issue.

It’s not new. The most recent few Popes have not worn the Fisherman’s Ring every day as was formerly customary. They often have their own ring which they find more comfortable for daily wear, and reserve their Fisherman’s Ring for liturgical or ceremonial occasions. Papa Benedict XVI was the only one who broke this trend by wearing his Fisherman’s Ring every day, to my knowledge.

 

[Peebo]

Whether or not he wears this ring or that ring has nothing to do with his role as the Vicar of Christ…he also doesn’t wear those red shoes…none of this has anything to do with our salvation…which is the Popes primary role as our guiding shepherd…and he is doing an excellent job at that…getting bogged down in trivialities is not only a waste of time but detracts from focusing on what our Catholic faith is all about

 

[JRTJ]

Whether or not he wears this ring or that ring has nothing to do with his role as the Vicar of Christ…he also doesn’t wear those red shoes…none of this has anything to do with our salvation…which is the Popes primary role as our guiding shepherd…and he is doing an excellent job at that…getting bogged down in trivialities is not only a waste of time but detracts from focusing on what our Catholic faith is all about

Symbols are very important to some people, so you should recognize their importance regardless of what your opinion about them is. For example, the red shoes are not worn out of vanity but because they symbolize the Pope’s will to die a martyr’s death (ie to shed blood) to defend the integrity of the Faith. John Paul II wore them too on many occasions and it has nothing to do with traditionalism. Same reason why all Popes (apart from Francis, for now) have worn the red cape on many occasions. Red symbolizes blood.

Catholicism is charged with symbolism and we shouldn’t be too quick to dismiss symbols in a time when the materialism inherent to our secularist culture is pervading both the sacred and the profane, including our beloved Church. On the contrary, I believe we, as Catholics, should continue to cherish the symbols that have underlied our 2000 years of Tradition.

Having said thus, it is also true that this is not an incredibly important matter - but Catholic Answers Forum can also be used to clarify less important issues. I was just curious about the Ring issue.

 

[IronFaith]

Symbols are very important to some people, so you should recognize their importance regardless of what your opinion about them is. For example, the red shoes are not worn out of vanity but because they symbolize the Pope’s will to die a martyr’s death (ie to shed blood) to defend the integrity of the Faith. John Paul II wore them too on many occasions and it has nothing to do with traditionalism. Same reason why all Popes (apart from Francis, for now) have worn the red cape on many occasions. Red symbolizes blood.

Catholicism is charged with symbolism and we shouldn’t be too quick to dismiss symbols in a time when the materialism inherent to our secularist culture is pervading both the sacred and the profane, including our beloved Church. On the contrary, I believe we, as Catholics, should continue to cherish the symbols that have underlied our 2000 years of Tradition.

Having said thus, it is also true that this is not an incredibly important matter - but Catholic Answers Forum can also be used to clarify less important issues. I was just curious about the Ring issue.

Thank you so much for such an informative response! I was not aware of the symbolism of the red shoes and the cape.

 

[M-Dent]

Symbols are very important to some people, so you should recognize their importance regardless of what your opinion about them is. For example, the red shoes are not worn out of vanity but because they symbolize the Pope’s will to die a martyr’s death (ie to shed blood) to defend the integrity of the Faith. John Paul II wore them too on many occasions and it has nothing to do with traditionalism. Same reason why all Popes (apart from Francis, for now) have worn the red cape on many occasions. Red symbolizes blood.

Catholicism is charged with symbolism and we shouldn’t be too quick to dismiss symbols in a time when the materialism inherent to our secularist culture is pervading both the sacred and the profane, including our beloved Church. On the contrary, I believe we, as Catholics, should continue to cherish the symbols that have underlied our 2000 years of Tradition.

Having said thus, it is also true that this is not an incredibly important matter - but Catholic Answers Forum can also be used to clarify less important issues. I was just curious about the Ring issue.

You make good points.

One thought came to my mind, one can’t kiss a papal fisherman’s ring a pope isn’t wearing.

And it’s not unheard of Pope Francis returning the gesture …

http://www.asianews.it/files/img/size2/VIETNAM_-VATICANO-_bacio_anello.jpg

Ho Chi Minh City (AsiaNews) - "Both times, when I kissed the Pope’s ring he reciprocated the gesture of kissing my ring. He is probably aware of the events of Vietnam. And, in doing so, he sought to express his appreciation for the Church in Vietnam. A Church that had the courage to stay alive and to witness to the faith, even in moments of profound difficulty. "

asianews.it/news-en/Cardinal-of-Saigonope-Francis-pays-special-attention-to-the-Vietnamese-Church-27497.html

It’s been noted, at least when formally greeting Cardinals, the pope tends to offer a traditional Italian/European kiss on the cheeks rather than more traditional formal gestures many are accustomed (kissing the ring).

Pope Francis is consistent and (at least in my discernment) appears to show an authentic spirit of humility. It is different but may be a different perspective at this moment of history can be helpful.

IMO, the important thing is authenticity. As opposed to a distorted or false sense of humility which runs the risk of the vice of pride.

 

[Peebo]

Symbols are very important to some people, so you should recognize their importance regardless of what your opinion about them is. For example, the red shoes are not worn out of vanity but because they symbolize the Pope’s will to die a martyr’s death (ie to shed blood) to defend the integrity of the Faith. John Paul II wore them too on many occasions and it has nothing to do with traditionalism. Same reason why all Popes (apart from Francis, for now) have worn the red cape on many occasions. Red symbolizes blood.

Catholicism is charged with symbolism and we shouldn’t be too quick to dismiss symbols in a time when the materialism inherent to our secularist culture is pervading both the sacred and the profane, including our beloved Church. On the contrary, I believe we, as Catholics, should continue to cherish the symbols that have underlied our 2000 years of Tradition.

Having said thus, it is also true that this is not an incredibly important matter - but Catholic Answers Forum can also be used to clarify less important issues. I was just curious about the Ring issue.

I apologize if I sounded a bit harsh…it wasn’t intended as such…of course symbolism is part of the tradition of our church and it is a beautiful thing…for some symbolism can become the focus of our faith…that is what I was alluding to…I meant no disrespect to you…you have put it succinctly what symbolism is and I appreciate the new perspective I have learned…thank you and God bless

 

[JRTJ]

I apologize if I sounded a bit harsh…it wasn’t intended as such…of course symbolism is part of the tradition of our church and it is a beautiful thing…for some symbolism can become the focus of our faith…that is what I was alluding to…I meant no disrespect to you…you have put it succinctly what symbolism is and I appreciate the new perspective I have learned…thank you and God bless

No worries! Your message didn’t offend me at all. I just wanted to clarify a few points because it seemed that you didn’t appreciate the importance of symbolism.

I stand corrected

Have a great weekend.

 

[saintandrew]

I think he should wear the fishmen ring every day

 

[Marie5890]

I trust the Holy Father is seeking the Lord’s will in all things.