THE APOSTLE SAINT PETER

Peter was the closest disciple of Jesus Christ, became an apostle and is historically recognized as the first Pope. As the representative of the 12 Apostles, he is always mentioned first in the scriptures, as a result of his fundamental role in the founding of the Church and the expansion of Christianity. Together with James and John, Peter formed the foundation and pillars of the early Church. His leadership status was consolidated when Christ Himself entrusted him with the keys of Heaven and, although many do not know it, he was also given the keys of hell.

After the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus, Peter dedicated his life to preaching the Gospel. In missions that reached remote places, he took the Word of God to different peoples. Historical records indicate that Peter and the apostle Paul traveled to Antioch and later to Rome. In the capital of the Roman Empire, the chair used by Peter in his sermons was preserved and celebrated by succeeding generations as the symbol of his pontificate.

During the reign of Emperor Nero, a great fire ravaged Rome, and the blame was falsely placed on Christians. This scenario triggered a strong persecution, culminating in Peter's martyrdom in the Circus of Nero. Because he did not consider himself worthy to die in the same way as Jesus, the apostle asked to be crucified upside down.

After his death, Peter was buried on Vatican Hill, near the site of his martyrdom. To honor him, Emperor Constantine I had a basilica built over his tomb. This structure resisted for more than 1.200 years until it began to degrade without the possibility of restoration, which motivated the reconstruction of the current basilica.

In the twentieth century, archaeology brought new data to light:

• 1950: Human bones were discovered under the altar of St. Peter's Basilica.

• 1953: Excavations in Jerusalem revealed a supposed tomb named after him.

• 1960s: Scientists re-examined the bones from the Vatican and confirmed that it was a 61-year-old man from the first century.

After these analyses, Pope Paul VI publicly announced that the bones belonged, with great probability, to St. Peter. These relics were exposed to the faithful in a solemn mass on November 24, 2013.

Today, St. Peter's ornate tomb lies in the heart of Vatican City, positioned just below the basilica's high altar. His liturgical feast is celebrated on June 29, being one of the saints with the greatest popular devotion in the world.