Among the many traditions and rituals that come into play following the death of a pope, one that has once again garnered attention following the passing of Pope Francis is the fate of the Fisherman's Ring. Francis died on Easter Monday, April 21, after suffering a stroke and cardiac arrest.

As tradition dictates, the late pontiff’s signet ring will be destroyed — or defaced, at least — within the walls of the Vatican following his death on Easter Monday.

After a pope dies, the camerlengo locks and seals the pope’s personal residence as part of the 'sede vacante' ritual.