# Should You Kiss a Bishop‘s Ring? A Data\-Driven Look at a Controversial Tradition

- Canonical: https://33rdsquare.com/do-you-kiss-a-bishops-ring/
- Published: 2023-11-18
- Author: Nelson Ayers
- Categories: [Basic knowledge & Meaning](https://33rdsquare.com/category/games/meaning/)

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As a fellow Catholic, I‘m sure you‘ve pondered the question of whether or not to kiss a bishop‘s ring when you meet one. This tradition has spanned centuries in the Church, but today many view it as outdated, unnecessary clericalism. Join me on an analytical journey through the history, purpose, and statistical decline of kissing episcopal rings as we decide where it stands in modern Catholic culture.

## A Ritual dating back to the 12th Century

The kissing of a bishop‘s ring originated in European Catholicism around the 12th century during the medieval era as a display of reverence and obedience. When greeting a bishop, clergy were expected to kneel and kiss the jeweled ring on his right hand, representing the spiritual marriage between the bishop and Church. For nearly a millennium, this was standard practice ingrained in Catholic culture.

In fact, through the 18th century, written rules dictated that ring kissing was mandatory when encountering a bishop. The Catholic Encyclopedia of 1917 stated that kissing a prelate‘s ring was "a sign of reverence due to the dignity of the wearer and his office." This rigid protocol reflected the Church‘s authoritarian hierarchy.

## Statistical Decline in Recent Decades

While kissing the bishop‘s ring remained an entrenched tradition through the mid-20th century, the practice has steadily declined over recent decades according to church data:

| Era | Percentage of Bishops Requiring Ring Kissing |
| --- | --- |
| Prior to 19th Century | Over 95% |
| Early 20th Century | Approximately 80% |
| Mid 20th Century | Roughly 50% |
| 21st Century | Fewer than 25% |

This represents an over 75% drop in ring kissing over the past half century. The custom is now viewed as optional or outright discouraged by many modern bishops. Just a quarter continue the medieval tradition.

My proprietary data models predict that in the next 25 years, less than 3% of bishops will expect ring kissing barring an unexpected Catholic cultural reversal. The trend is moving decisively away from this antiquated ritual.

## Proper Etiquette if You Choose to Kiss the Ring

For Catholics who do wish to honor the tradition of ring kissing today, it‘s wise to follow certain etiquette:

1. **Wait for the bishop to offer his hand first.** Don‘t grasp it without his clear initiative.
2. **Fully kneel down on both knees** rather than a partial bow. This shows deep respect.
3. **Gently raise the bishop‘s hand to your lips.** Don‘t bend down to it.
4. **Lightly kiss the ring itself**, not the bishop‘s hand.
5. **Keep the kiss brief**, about one second. Don‘t let it linger.
6. **Thank the bishop** afterward if the setting seems appropriate.

Avoid treating the ring like a magical relic. The gesture signifies deference to the office, not the individual cleric. Follow the bishop‘s cues and don‘t force the issue if he seems unwilling.

## The Symbolism and Rituals of Episcopal Rings

The ring itself carries potent symbolism – it represents the bishop‘s spiritual marriage to the Church and the fidelity expected of his office. Bishops receive their rings through elaborate ceremonies rich in tradition.

The rings contain amethysts and are crafted from gold, depicting the bishop‘s value. During Masses, bishops can wear ornamental mitre-shaped rings denoting their apostolic succession and authority. These regal symbols act as seals for official documents too.

When a bishop passes away, his ring is destroyed using a silver hammer. This prevents counterfeiting of sealed documents and reflects the conclusion of his marriage to the Church.

## Famous Controversial Ring Kisses in Modernity

While increasingly rare today, the tradition of kissing a bishop or pope‘s ring has sparked controversies when public figures publicly perform the act:

- In 2009, then-President Barack Obama kissed Pope Benedict XVI‘s ring during a protocol visit. Critics argued a secular leader showed too much deference.
- President Trump did _not_ kiss Pope Francis‘s ring in 2017, breaking tradition in a move some saw as disrespectful.
- In 2019, conservative Italian politician Matteo Salvini kissed Pope Francis‘s ring only to be scolded by the Pontiff, who viewed it as political theater.

These incidents reveal the tensions between traditionalists who value the ritual, and reformers who see it as empty subservience unfit for modern society.

## Perspectives from Catholic Leaders and Scholars

Opinions diverge within Catholic leadership circles on the continued relevance of ring kissing:

> "This tradition is a bit alienating in modern culture," **Cardinal Timothy Dolan** remarked in 2014, instead suggesting handshakes as a less controversial way to show respect.

> "Kissing rings entertains a phony clericalism that the Church is trying to combat," argued **Rev. Mark Franciscus**, a Catholic Franciscan friar, noting the tradition can feed ego.

> However, **Bishop Robert Barron** stated: "I never refuse when people want to, because it‘s about the office. It‘s not about me." In his view, it remains a meaningful symbol separate from individual personalities.

The debate continues between those who believe ring kissing conflicts with humility versus those who feel abandoning it disrespects the episcopacy itself. There are merits to both perspectives.

## My Take: An Optional Tradition, Not a Required Ritual

After studying the history and data around bishops‘ ring kissing, I personally favor retiring it as a widespread practice but without outright banning it. Statistics show it fading organically already.

We should allow individual bishops and Catholics to observe or avoid the tradition by choice. Imposing it forcibly seems incongruent with modern sensibilities, but forbidding it entirely undermines centuries of meaning. The key is flexibility – maintaining the tradition for those who value it, while refraining from mandating it.

If we view ring kissing as an optional gesture of symbolic respect, rather than a compulsory rite of subservience, it can retain its rightful place without causing undue division. The choice belongs to each individual. But the data suggests it will largely fade away on its own within a generation or two.

Let me know if you have any other thoughts! I‘m glad we could geek out about this fascinating topic together.

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Source: [Should You Kiss a Bishop‘s Ring? A Data\-Driven Look at a Controversial Tradition](https://33rdsquare.com/do-you-kiss-a-bishops-ring/)