Today is pope's last day, gold ring to be destroyed (not in Mordor)

At 2 p.m. EST Thursday, Benedict XVI will kick off his red shoes for the last time and his term as pope will officially end. In an unexpected speech on Thursday morning, he addressed the cardinals for the final time. "Among you is also the future pope, whom I today promise my unconditional reverence and obedience," he said. Attendees then bent to kiss his "fisherman's ring" for the final time. Benedict has to surrender his signature bling before he leaves the Vatican; it will be destroyed using a special papal silver hammer, symbolizing the end of his authority. As cool as a papal silver hammer sounds, we're sort of disappointed that Frodo won't just throw it into Mount Doom. [Source]

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