On the eve of the conclave that will decide the next pontiff, the ring and lead seal of the late Pope Francis were destroyed in the presence of members of the College of Cardinals in the Vatican’s New Synod Hall.
In a video released by the Vatican 6 May, an unidentified woman scratched a cross on the papal ring, known as the fisherman’s ring, as well as on a lead seal bearing the papal insignia used to mark Pope Francis’ letters.
When asked why the destruction of the ring and the seal took place at the meeting and not immediately after the pope’s death, Matteo Bruni, director of the Vatican press office, told journalists that the rules in the apostolic constitution, “Universi Dominici Gregis,” which governs the interregnum and election of a new pope, does not specify a precise time.
According to the apostolic constitution, the cardinals “arrange for the destruction of the fisherman’s ring and of the lead seal with which Apostolic Letters are dispatched” when meeting at the general congregations.
At their final congregation meeting, Bruni said, the cardinals discussed several issues, including the continuation of reforms initiated by Pope Francis, the fight against clergy sexual abuse and the care for creation.
The cardinals also emphasized the characteristics of the next pope, highlighting the importance “of communion” which was viewed “as an essential vocation for the new pontiff,” Bruni said.