Francis’ papal symbols linked to past Popes

Last updated on: March 19, 2013 at 7:08 pm by CNA Daily News

Francis’ papal symbols linked to past Popes 2013-03-19T19:08:00+00:00 CNA Daily News

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Vatican City, Mar 19, 2013 / 01:08 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- When Pope Francis was installed as Bishop of Rome today, the two major symbols of the authority he received were connected to previous Popes.

The inauguration ceremony began with Pope Francis visiting the tomb of St. Peter. He then processed out to the square, with the patriarchs of the Eastern Catholic Churches carrying the Book of the Gospels, his pallium and the Fisherman’s ring.

As the procession made its way, a choir sang a special litany of the saints that included those Popes who have been recognized as saints.

But in addition to these echoes of previous Popes, the papal ring and the pallium – a circular stole of white wool that symbolizes Francis' role as the chief shepherd of the Church – are connected to Paul VI and Benedict XVI, respectively.

The ring, known as the Fisherman’s ring because Jesus made Peter a “fisher of men,” has a unique and circuitous history.

The late Archbishop Pasquale Macchi, former personal secretary of Pope Paul VI, kept the wax cast of a ring made for the Pope by the artist Henry Manfrini.

“The ring was never cast into metal, and Paul VI never wore it because he always wore the ring that was commissioned at the time of the Second Vatican Council,” Vatican press office director Father Federico Lombardi explained March 18.

Archbishop Macchi, who died in 2006, left the cast to Monsignor Ettore Malnati, and he had a silver ring with gold plating made from the wax cast. The ring depicts Saint Peter holding the keys of Heaven.

After he was elected Pope, Francis was offered several possibilities for his Fisherman’s ring and he chose the one that was created for Paul VI.

The other symbol of Pope Francis’ authority that has a papal connection is the pallium that was placed on his shoulders this morning.

The pallium is made from lamb’s wool and has five red crosses on it to recall the five wounds of Christ. Major archbishops also wear palliums signifying their roles as shepherds, but their crosses are black.

The pallium that Pope Francis received was the exact same one worn by Benedict XVI, according to Fr. Lombardi.

Vatican

Previous Post

March 19, 2013

Pope Francis will attend World Youth Day, officials confirm

Next Post

March 19, 2013 Pope Francis honored in special Buenos Aires Mass

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Americas Asia - Pacific Europe Middle East - Africa Uncategorized US Vatican

Select a Month November 2017 October 2017 September 2017 August 2017 July 2017 June 2017 May 2017 April 2017 March 2017 February 2017 January 2017 December 2016 November 2016 October 2016 September 2016 August 2016 July 2016 June 2016 May 2016 April 2016 March 2016 February 2016 January 2016 December 2015 November 2015 October 2015 September 2015 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 December 2014 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 June 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 May 2013 April 2013 March 2013 February 2013 January 2013 December 2012 November 2012 October 2012 September 2012 August 2012 July 2012 June 2012 May 2012

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into what farming tool?

Select your answer to see how you score.

Sickles Hoes Scythes Pruning hooks