Simon Peter was a fisherman from Galilee, one of the first disciples called by Jesus, who gave him the name Cephas — "Peter," meaning rock. He appears throughout the Gospels as a prominent, often impulsive figure: the one who walked briefly on water, who confessed Jesus as the Christ, and who denied knowing him three times on the night of the Passion before weeping bitterly in repentance.
After the Resurrection, Peter became the leading figure among the Apostles and, according to the Acts of the Apostles, preached at Pentecost and guided the early Christian community in Jerusalem. Catholic and Orthodox tradition holds that he traveled to Rome and served as its first bishop, and he is honored there as the first Pope. Tradition holds that he was martyred in Rome, crucified upside down at his own request, considering himself unworthy to die in the same manner as Christ.
Saint Peter
Apostle and first Bishop of Rome
A fisherman from Galilee called by Jesus to be the leader of the Apostles, traditionally regarded as the first Pope.
- Century
- 1st century
Categories
Why People Pray to Saint Peter
Saint Peter is invoked for strength in weakness and failure, since Scripture does not hide his own moments of doubt and denial, only his eventual repentance and faithfulness. He is also prayed to in matters concerning the Church and its unity.
