Pope Leo XIV wears special jewelry: What each piece symbolizes

The Fisherman’s Ring

One of the main symbols of Leo XIV’s pontificate is the Fisherman’s Ring (Anulus piscatoris). The Pope received it on May 18, 2025, during the Mass marking the beginning of his pontificate.

The ring depicts the Apostle Peter with keys and a fishing net. This image recalls that he was a fisherman before becoming one of Jesus’ closest disciples, and it also symbolizes the Pope’s authority as the successor of Saint Peter.

The Fisherman’s Ring, worn by Pope Leo XIV, is a traditional symbol of the Pope’s authority as the successor of Saint Peter. It represents Saint Peter’s calling as a fisherman and reminds the faithful of the Pope’s mission to guide and serve the Church. The ring is also… pic.twitter.com/HHr12vUoGC

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Silver pectoral cross

He received this relic on the day he was elected Pope. It was presented by Circolo San Pietro, a Roman Catholic organization founded to provide charitable assistance.

The cross contains relics of four bishops — Saint Leo the Great, Saint Augustine, Saint Thomas of Villanova, and Blessed Anselmo Polanco.

The relic of Saint Leo the Great has special symbolic significance for the current pontiff, as it was in honor of this fifth-century Pope that he chose the name Leo XIV.

Leo XIV wearing the silver cross (photo: Getty Images)

Cross with relics of Saint Augustine

Another special piece of jewelry worn by Leo XIV. He received it in September 2023, when he became a cardinal. The gift was presented to him by the General Curia of the Order of Saint Augustine.

The cross contains fragments of the bones of Saint Augustine, his mother, Saint Monica, as well as Saint Thomas of Villanova, Blessed Anselmo Polanco, and Venerable Giuseppe Bartolomeo Menocchio.

It was this cross that Leo XIV wore on May 8, 2025, when he first appeared before the faithful after being elected Pope.

Pope (photo: Getty Images)