What is the significance of the Pope's Fisherman's Ring, where did it come from and why does it have to be destroyed after his death?
by 
Anonymous
ANSWERS: 4
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Bishops are heirs to the medieval pagentry ad symbolism, most of which hsa been dropped, and all of it re-interpreted. A ring was always used to seal official documents even in biblcial times, hence the Pope's is destroyed upon death until his successor is elected so no official document is issued. The ring is today a symbol of a bishop's "marriage" to the Church, which is the Bride of Christ and he repreeents in a special way that bond with Christ as Chief Shepherd of that diocese/district. Medieval princes etc. wore rings to show their authority. The Catholic bishops wear it on the right hand, the European wedding ring hand.
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The significance of the "fisherman's ring", specifically, has to do with the trade of many of those first disciples (including Peter): fishermen. Additionally, the statement of Jesus that He was going to make them "fishers of men".
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From Wikipedia: Upon a papal death, the ring is ceremonially crushed in the presence of other cardinals by the Camerlengo, in order to prevent the sealing of backdated, forged documents during the interregnum, or sede vacante.
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It is my understanding that St. Peter, who was a fisherman, is considered to have been the first pope. His symbol was the fish; at some point in the church's history, the popes began signifying their authority with - among other things - the "Fisherman's Ring."
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