Who was the first pope of the Catholic Church to wear the fishermans ring?
– G.M., Peoria, Ill. The fisherman’s ring is presented to each pope as part of his papal coronation. The ring is minted in gold with a picture in bas-relief of St. Peter fishing from a boat. The incoming pope’s Latin name surrounds the picture of St. Peter, making each ring different. During the inaugural ceremony, the jewelry is placed on the third finger of the incoming pope’s right hand. At the time of the pope’s death, the ring is crushed in a ceremony. In the earliest times, it was used to seal documents in hot wax. The first mention of a ring occurred in 1265, in a letter from Pope Clement IV to his nephew. If worn before that time, it is not recorded. Not long ago, Tom Selleck starred as crime fighter Jesse Stone in the made for TV movie “Jesse Stone: No Remorse.” At the end of the movie, a note mentioned that the show was dedicated to Robert. I don’t recall the last name. Who is this person? – M.S.Z., Palm Springs, Fla. His name is Robert B. Parker, the novelist who created the
