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Saint Peter

What is saint peter?

· James MacDonald

Key facts

Original name Simon / Simeon[1]
Role One of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus[1]
Birthplace Bethsaida[1]
Death place Rome[2]
Death date c. 64–68 CE[2]
First pope Roman Catholic tradition identifies him as the first pope[3]

Saint Peter, originally named Simon, was one of Jesus’ Twelve Apostles and is recognized in Christian tradition as an early leader of the Church. Roman Catholic tradition identifies him as the first pope. He was martyred in Rome under Emperor Nero, traditionally by crucifixion upside down.

Context

Saint Peter is a central figure in Christianity, known as one of Jesus’ Twelve Apostles and an early Church leader. He is also called Simon Peter or Peter the Apostle. His identification as the first pope is a Roman Catholic tradition, not a universally stated historical fact. Other saints in the Christian calendar include Saint Pierre, Saint Sebastian, and Saint Nicholas. [1]

Documented claims

  • Saint Peter was martyred in Rome under Emperor Nero. [2]
  • Tradition says he was crucified upside down. [4]

Related

Saint GeorgeSaint George is another widely venerated Christian saint.Saint JosephSaint Joseph is a prominent saint in Christian tradition.Saint HyacintheSaint Hyacinthe is a saint with a similar name pattern.

Questions and answers

What is Saint Peter known for?

He is known as one of Jesus’ Twelve Apostles and an early leader of the Church. Roman Catholic tradition identifies him as the first pope. [3]

What happened to St. Peter after Jesus died?

He continued as a leader in the early Church and was later martyred in Rome under Emperor Nero, traditionally by crucifixion upside down. [2]

Sources

  1. Saint Peter the Apostle | History, Facts, & Feast Day | Britannica — britannica.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  2. Saint Peter - Saints and Martyrs - Treasures of Heaven — projects.mcah.columbia.edu (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  3. Meet the Saints: St. Peter - FOCUS.org — focus.org (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  4. St. Peter - Saints & Angels — catholic.org (retrieved August 3, 2026)

Sources last checked August 3, 2026. · More in People