A little-known Vatican custom dictates that the Fisherman’s Ring, an emblem of the pope’s spiritual power, is systematically broken upon his death. This ancient ritual symbolically marks the end of a pontificate and prepares the Church for its future destiny.
The passing of Pope Francis: a historic moment for the Church
On April 21 , the Catholic world was shocked by the news of the peaceful death of Pope Francis at the age of 88. The cause of death was a stroke that caused permanent heart failure . Cardinal Kevin Farrell , the Camerlengo , officially confirmed the news, saying: “At 7:35 this morning, the Holy Father passed away.”
After a twelve-year reign characterized by his closeness to the poorest and his rejection of the trappings of power, Francis leaves behind an indelible spiritual imprint .
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