March 19, 2013: The fisherman’s ring which Pope Francis received at his installation
mass on Tuesday at St. Peter’s basilica represented the Apostle Peter with the keys,
symbolizing papal authority over the Universal Church. Vatican spokesperson Fr. Federico
Lombardi said that the ring was designed by Enrico Manfrini for Pope Paul VI but never
made in molten metal; nor was it ever worn by Pope Paul VI who preferred to wear a
ring celebrating the Second Vatican Council.
Monsignor Manfrini had created
many medals and other artistic objects for Pope Paul VI. The wax mold for Pope Francis’
ring had been preserved under the care of Paul VI’s former secretary, Msgr. Pasquale
Macchi. Msgr. Macchi, who is deceased, left the mold and other objects to his long-time
aid, Msgr. Ettore Malnati, explained Fr. Lombardi.
Using the wax mold, Msgr.
Malnati had a ring made in gold-plated silver which the Master of Ceremonies and the
Prefect Emeritus of the Congregation for Bishops, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re proposed
to Pope Francis along with a number of other rings. Pope Francis chose this ring,
the spokesman added.