Saint Peter the Apostle
Simón Pedro, also known as Saint Peter, was one of the most prominent disciples of Jesus of Nazareth and is considered the first pope by the Catholic Church.
Origin and Calling
Born in Bethsaida, Galilee, Simón was a fisherman by trade. His brother Andrés introduced him to Jesus, who changed his name to Pedro (from the Aramaic “Kefas”, meaning “rock”) and told him: “You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church” (Matthew 16:18). This passage is fundamental to Catholic doctrine on the primacy of Peter.
Role in the Early Church
Pedro was a central figure in the early Christian community. He presided over the election of Matías to replace Judas Iscariot and preached at Pentecost. He also performed miracles, such as healing a paralytic and raising Tabitha from the dead. He took part in the Council of Jerusalem, where the admission of Gentiles into the Church was discussed.
Death and Legacy of Saint Peter
According to tradition, Pedro died a martyr in Rome around the year 67 AD, crucified upside down because he did not consider himself worthy to die as Jesus had. He is believed to have been buried at the Vatican, where St Peter’s Basilica was built. In 1968, Pope Paul VI announced that remains had been found that could be those of Pedro.
Iconography of Saint Peter
Saint Peter is frequently depicted with keys, symbolising the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven entrusted to him by Jesus. He is also associated with an inverted cross, referring to his manner of martyrdom, and with a rooster, recalling his denials of Jesus before the crucifixion.
