The Fisherman's Ring — the pope's signet, which devotees traditionally kiss to honor the pontiff — was defaced on Monday. It's a ritual that goes back to 1521 and has practical roots. The rings were once used as official seals for papal decrees, and destroying them prevented forgery. “It’s the equivalent of taking the login details away from a social media account,” said Christopher Lamb, @CNN's Vatican correspondent. Here's more on the history, how the rings are made, the unusual origins of Pope Francis's, and whether or not they should be kissed.

https://flip.it/qmqBnt

#History @histodons #PopeFrancis #Culture #Lifestyle #Catholicism #Christianity