Artist: Unknown
Date: Mid 20th century
Classification: Liturgical Objects
Dimensions: 22 x 9 x 2 cm
Materials: Ebony, Gilded Silver
Adopted By: The Minnesota & North Dakota Chapter
This ceremonial hammer was used to tap a recently deceased pope on the forehead calling him by his Christian name. If there was no answer to the third call, the pope was declared dead. This ritual is said to have been used for the last time for Blessed Pope John XXIII.
This example dates back to the mid 20th century. It is made of ebony and gilded silver. It measures 22 x 9 x 2 cm.
Adopted By:
The Minnesota & North Dakota ChapterArtist: Unknown
Date: Mid 20th century
Dimensions: 22 x 9 x 2 cm
Materials: Ebony, Gilded Silver
Department:
Decorative ArtsLaboratories:
Metals & CeramicsWishbook year: 2002
Adopted by: The Minnesota & North Dakota Chapter
Artist: Unknown
Date: Mid 20th century
Classification: Liturgical Objects
Materials: Ebony, Gilded Silver
Dimensions: 22 x 9 x 2 cm
Department: Decorative Arts
Laboratory: Metals & Ceramics
Wishbook year: 2002
This ceremonial hammer was used to tap a recently deceased pope on the forehead calling him by his Christian name. If there was no answer to the third call, the pope was declared dead. This ritual is said to have been used for the last time for Blessed Pope John XXIII.
This example dates back to the mid 20th century. It is made of ebony and gilded silver. It measures 22 x 9 x 2 cm.
© 2025 Patrons of the Arts
in the Vatican Museums
Vatican Museums V-00120,
Vatican City State (Europe)