Ring of the Fisherman

The Ring of the Fisherman, also known as the Piscatory Ring, is an official part of the regalia worn by the pope, who according to Catholic practice and tradition is the head of the Catholic Church and successor of Saint Peter, who was a fisherman by trade. It used to feature a bas-relief of Peter fishing from a boat, a symbolism derived from the tradition that the apostles were "fishers of men". The Fisherman's Ring is a signet that was used until 1842 to seal official documents signed by the pope but is now used only ceremonially. Since at least the Middle Ages it has been a tradition for Catholics meeting the pope to show their devotion by kissing the ring.