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Pope Benedict XVI’s papal ring will be destroyed after he steps down at the end of the month, said Vatican spokesman, Fr Federico Lombardi.
“Objects strictly tied to the ministry of St. Peter must be destroyed,” Lombardi said.
The golden ring is known as the “Fisherman’s Ring” because it depicts Peter fishing.
Lombardi also said a new title may have to be coined to refer to Pope Benedict XVI once he officially steps down.
“Perhaps Bishop Emeritus of Rome,” he said.
“It will be interesting to see how we address him, how he will be called,” said Lombardi. “It will be difficult to call him cardinal”.
While having some duties, Benedict’s brother told the BBC he will not interfere in the affairs of his successor.
“Where he’s needed he will make himself available, but he will not want to want to intervene in the affairs of his successor,” Georg Ratzinger said.
Pope Benedict will stay at the papal summer residence at Castel Gandolfo when he leaves office, the Vatican said, before moving into a renovated monastery used by cloistered nuns for “a period of prayer and reflection”.
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