St. Peter

St. Peter — born Simon, son of John — was the fisherman whom Jesus called as the leader of the Twelve Apostles and the rock on which he promised to build his Church. He is the first Pope, the first to confess Jesus as the Christ and Son of God, and the first Apostle to whom the risen Christ appeared. He was martyred in Rome under Nero around 64–67 AD (CCC 552–553, 881).

His Call and Name

Jesus called Simon while he was fishing on the Sea of Galilee: "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men" (Matthew 4:19). He gave him the Aramaic name Kephas (Greek: Petros; English: Peter) — meaning "rock." This name was prophetic of his role as the foundation of the Church (CCC 552).

The Primacy

At Caesarea Philippi, Peter made the great confession: "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Jesus responded: "You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 16:16–19). This text is the biblical foundation of the Petrine primacy and the papacy (CCC 552–553).

Peter's Fall and Restoration

Peter denied Christ three times on the night of the arrest — and wept bitterly when he realized what he had done. After the Resurrection, Jesus restored him with three questions mirroring the three denials: "Do you love me? ... Feed my lambs... Tend my sheep" (John 21:15–17). Peter's restoration is the model of repentance and mercy (CCC 881).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there historical evidence Peter was in Rome? Yes. Ancient Christian sources consistently place Peter in Rome — 1 Peter 5:13 refers to "Babylon" (a common early Christian code for Rome). Clement of Rome, Ignatius of Antioch, and Irenaeus of Lyon all attest Peter's ministry and martyrdom in Rome. Archaeological excavations under St. Peter's Basilica have found what appears to be his tomb (CCC 881).