Saint Peter

Saint Peter also known as Simon Peter, Kepha or Cephas was a Jewish fisherman, born in Galilee and died in Rome around 67AD, crucified (upside down) during the persecutions of the early Christians at the time of emperor Nero,

shortly after the great fire of Rome. The site of his crucifixion is unclear although two or three possibilities have been identified through the ages, a likely one being Nero’s circus which was on the Vatican hill on the right bank of the river Tiber.

However, it must be said that there are some historians who feel doubt that Peter was ever in Rome at all on the basis that the evidence of his presence is shaky and unreliable.

We also know that he was married, (that Jesus healed his mother in law) and that he had a brother Andrew who also became a follower of Jesus.

It is perhaps easiest to talk about St Peter by working backwards:

• Starting with Saint Peter’s burial allows us to see the connection with the Vatican and Roman Catholicism.
• Some thoughts around Saint Peter’s name allow us to understand something of the divisions amongst Christians into Catholics, Protestants and Orthodox
• General high level observations about Saint Peter’s work and life.

Saint Peter’s Burial

The tomb of the saint is in the Vatican crypt, in corres