Restoration crews at Wawel Royal Castle have uncovered a centuries‑old brass signet ring whose finely cut bezel bears a ...

Separating the best examples of classical Sanskrit drama in the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, the retelling of the nine plays ...

The great bells of Rome toll. The pontiff is declared dead according to medieval ceremony. His signet ring, the symbol of his authority, solemnly defaced. At this time even the secular world ...

As Catholic cardinals gather for a conclave to elect the next pope, we must all ask: Why are they all wearing red yarmulkes?

Lying in state at St Peter’s Basilica, Francis’s body is low to the ground without any papal regalia next to his body. While popes are traditionally laid to rest in three nested coffins made ...

Rituals developed over centuries to authenticate the papal deaths — smashing the papal signet ring used to authenticate ... honorary professor of medieval history at the University of Lausanne.

Engraved on its oblong, flat surface is an unidentified symbol, which resembles two asterisk marks. It could be the mark of a ...

Among the oldest traditions that mark the funeral preparations for Pope Francis is the destruction of his signet ring, the Ring of the Fisherman You can save this article by registering for free here.