St. Peter the Apostle
c. 1 AD - c. 64 AD
📅 Feast Day: Jun 29
📖 Life Timeline
c. 1 BC
Born Simon in Bethsaida
c. 27 AD
Called by Jesus; renamed Peter
c. 30 AD
Preaches at Pentecost
c. 42 AD
Becomes first Pope in Rome
c. 64 AD
Crucified upside down under Nero
✝ Biography
Simon, son of Jona, a Galilean fisherman from Bethsaida, devoted disciple. Jesus called him and his brother Andrew while casting nets on the Sea of Galilee, renaming him Peter (Cephas—Rock). He became the leader of the Twelve Apostles. Jesus declared: 'You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven' (Matthew 16:18-19). Peter denied Christ three times before the rooster crowed but was restored. At Pentecost he preached the first sermon, converting 3,000 souls. He performed miracles, healed the lame man at the Beautiful Gate, and converted Cornelius, the first Gentile. He traveled to Antioch and later Rome, where he was bishop. Under Nero c.64-67 AD, he was martyred by crucifixion, requesting to be crucified upside down as unworthy to die as his Lord. Tradition holds he was buried in Vatican Hill, where St Peter's Basilica now stands. He is Prince of the Apostles and first Pope.
🛡 Patronage
Patron of: The Pope, the Catholic Church, fishermen, and the Diocese of Rome. Prince of the Apostles.
💬 Words of the Saint
Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.
📜 Key Facts
Born
c. 1 AD, Bethsaida
Died
c. 64 AD, Rome (crucified)
Feast Day
Jun 29
Canonized
Pre-Tridentine
🕊 Legacy
The papacy traces its authority from Peter. St. Peter's Basilica is built over his tomb. He is the patron of all Catholics and the model of apostolic leadership.
📜 Personal Writings
Read excerpts from the saint's own words — their personal letters, spiritual writings, and teachings.
📖 First Epistle of Peter
On Suffering for Righteousness
Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
— St. Peter the Apostle
📖 First Epistle of Peter
On Being Living Stones
As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him—you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
— St. Peter the Apostle
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