The Tradition of Kissing the Pope’s Ring: Veneration, Humility, and Controversy

The Tradition of Kissing the Pope’s Ring: Veneration, Humility, and Controversy

Kissing the Pope’s ring, particularly the Fisherman’s Ring, is a centuries-old Catholic tradition symbolizing respect for the papacy as the successor of St. Peter. This act has sparked debate, with some viewing it as a profound gesture of veneration for the office of Peter, while others see it as an exaggerated display that may lack humility or elevate the pope unduly. Recently on social media some have brought this topic up after the election of Pope Leo XIV while bringing up the shaky history with Pope Francis allowing his ring to be kissed at some moments and at others showing extreme apprehension. Below, I explore the pros and cons of this practice, its biblical and historical roots, and the Greek context of the encounter between Peter and Cornelius in Acts 10, which some cite as relevant to the discussion.

Biblical and Historical Context

The tradition of kissing the Pope’s ring is not explicitly biblical but is rooted in the Catholic understanding of the papacy as the continuation of Peter’s role as the “rock” upon which Christ built His Church (Matthew 16:18). The Fisherman’s Ring, named for Peter the fisherman, symbolizes this apostolic authority. Historically, the custom likely emerged in the Middle Ages, reflecting practices of showing deference to monarchs or bishops by kissing their rings as signs of fidelity and respect. Fr. Roberto Regoli notes that kissing the ring “expresses devotion not to the person of the pope, but to whom and what he represents: the successor of the fisherman of Galilee” (Catholic News Agency, 2019).

A key biblical passage often referenced in discussions of veneration is Acts 10:25-26, where Peter meets Cornelius, a Roman centurion and the first Gentile convert. The Greek text provides insight into the dynamics of reverence and humility:

• Acts 10:25-26 (Greek and Translation):
  • Greek: “ὡς δὲ ἐγένετο τοῦ εἰσελθεῖν τὸν Πέτρον, συναντήσας αὐτῷ ὁ Κορνήλιος πεσὼν ἐπὶ τοὺς πόδας προσεκύνησεν. ὁ δὲ Πέτρος αὐτὸν ἤγειρεν λέγων, Ἀνάστα· κἀγὼ αὐτὸς ἄνθρωπός εἰμι.”
  • Translation (NIV): “As Peter entered the house, Cornelius met him and fell at his feet in reverence (prosekynēsen). But Peter made him get up. ‘Stand up,’ he said, ‘I am only a man myself.’”
  • Greek Meaning: The verb prosekynēsen (from proskuneō) typically means “to worship” or “to pay homage” and often implies deep reverence, sometimes bordering on worship. In this context, Cornelius’s act of falling at Peter’s feet suggests profound respect, possibly influenced by his Roman cultural background, where such gestures were common toward superiors. Peter’s response, using anasta (“stand up”) and identifying himself as a mere anthrōpos (“man”), emphasizes humility and redirects veneration from himself to God.

This passage is significant because it shows Peter rejecting excessive personal veneration, which some critics argue parallels the modern practice of kissing the Pope’s ring. However, Catholics maintain that the act honors the office of Peter, not the individual pope, aligning with the Church’s theology of apostolic succession.

Pros of Kissing the Pope’s Ring

1. Veneration of the Office of Peter: Kissing the ring is a physical act of reverence for the papacy, seen as instituted by Christ (Matthew 16:18-19). It acknowledges the Pope as the Vicar of Christ, representing Jesus’s authority on earth. As one X post states, it “shows reverence and submission to the Office of Saint Peter, recognizing him as the Vicar of Christ.”
2. Historical Continuity: The practice connects modern Catholics to a long tradition of showing respect for ecclesiastical authority, similar to kissing a bishop’s ring. This continuity reinforces the Church’s historical identity.
3. Spiritual Significance: The act can be a humble expression of faith, aligning with Catholic theology that physical gestures (e.g., kneeling, bowing) reflect spiritual realities. Historically, kissing the Fisherman’s Ring was even associated with a partial indulgence, underscoring its spiritual value (though this was abolished by St. Paul VI).
4. Symbol of Unity: Kissing the ring signifies fidelity to the Church’s leadership, fostering a sense of global Catholic unity under the Pope’s guidance.

Cons of Kissing the Pope’s Ring

1. Risk of Exaggerated Veneration: Critics argue that the gesture can blur the line between honoring the office and idolizing the person. Acts 10:25-26 is often cited, as Peter rejected Cornelius’s reverence to avoid being elevated above his human status. Some see kissing the ring as a “medieval vassalage” that risks portraying the Pope as a monarch rather than a servant.
2. Perception of Lack of Humility: Popes like Francis have resisted the practice, with Francis citing hygiene concerns but also signaling discomfort with gestures that elevate the individual. His actions suggest that accepting such veneration may contradict the humility expected of a servant-leader.
3. Clericalism and Temporal Power: The practice can be seen as reinforcing clericalism or tying the Church to outdated monarchical traditions, which some argue detracts from its spiritual mission. Both Benedict XVI and Francis have discouraged ring-kissing to distance the papacy from temporal power.
4. Confusion and Mixed Messages: Pope Francis’s inconsistent approach—allowing some to kiss his ring while pulling away from others—has caused confusion. Critics argue that clearer guidelines would prevent awkward encounters and clarify the practice’s purpose.

Balancing Veneration and Humility

The tension between veneration and humility lies at the heart of the debate. Proponents view kissing the ring as a legitimate act of devotion to the office of Peter, not the man, rooted in the Catholic belief that the Pope represents Christ’s authority (John 21:15-17). As K. Albert Little writes, “We kiss the Pope’s ring…for the same reason that we worship God with our whole bodies,” emphasizing the integration of physical and spiritual acts. However, critics, including some Catholics, argue that the gesture can exaggerate the Pope’s personal status, especially when popes like Francis prioritize simplicity and service over traditional protocols. The Acts 10 encounter underscores this, as Peter’s humility in rejecting Cornelius’s gesture suggests that leaders should deflect personal honor to God.

Recent popes have navigated this tension by de-emphasizing the practice. John Paul II and Benedict XVI reduced ceremonial aspects of the papacy, and Francis has gone further, often withdrawing his hand to avoid ring-kissing, reflecting a preference for gestures like hugs that convey service over authority. Yet, as one X user notes, “To withdraw is to reject someone’s love. It’s hurtful. It embarrasses them; they wonder what they did wrong!” suggesting that rejecting the gesture can alienate the faithful.

Conclusion

Kissing the Pope’s ring is a complex tradition, embodying both deep veneration for the office of Peter and potential pitfalls of perceived pride or clericalism. Biblically, Acts 10:25-26 highlights the need for humility in leadership, as Peter redirected Cornelius’s reverence to God. The Greek term proskuneō in this passage underscores the fine line between respect and worship, a balance the Church continues to navigate. While the practice fosters unity and honors apostolic authority, it risks misinterpretation in a modern context where humility and equality are paramount. As the Church evolves, clear communication from the Vatican—perhaps following Francis’s lead in prioritizing service-oriented gestures—could help preserve the tradition’s spiritual intent while addressing concerns about exaggeration and humility. Note, nothing in Catholic teaching requires this practice. It is simply a custom.

Sources:

• Catholic News Agency, “Why do people kiss the pope’s ring?” (2019).
• America Magazine, “Explainer: Why doesn’t Pope Francis want people to kiss his ring?” (2019).
• Patheos, “Why Do Catholics Kiss The Pope’s Ring?” by K. Albert Little (2017).
• Enter the Bible, “Acts 10:1-48 – Peter and Cornelius” (2021).
• Posts on X, reflecting Catholic perspectives on ring-kissing (2025).
• New Testament Greek: Acts 10:25-26, sourced from standard Greek texts (e.g., Nestle-Aland).