Kissing the bishop's ring

Kissing the bishop's ring
Question from Daniel del Valle on 4/18/2008:

My wife asked why do we kiss the Pope's ring, and other bishops' rings. I can't offer her an explanation other than my faith and respect motivates me. Is there a canon law about this or is it just tradition? How did this begin?

God bless and thanks.
Answer by Rev. Mark J. Gantley, JCL on 5/1/2008:

It is customary practice. Perhaps the history forum could fill you in on the history.

A bishop's ring is kissed as a sign of reverence for his office as successor to the apostles (and in the case of the pope, as successor to St. Peter).

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