Bryan McAllister’s personal reference notebook
July 30, 2026Short & citedBlog
Civic Viewpoint.
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People File • Religious Figure

Saint Peter

Saint Peter, also called Simon Peter or Peter the Apostle, was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus and is regarded in Roman Catholic tradition as the first pope.

Updated July 30, 20261 min readCited sources

Saint Peter, also known as Simon Peter, was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus and is regarded in Roman Catholic tradition as the first pope. He remains a central figure in early Christianity, known for his leadership among the apostles and his martyrdom in Rome.

Biblical role

Peter appears prominently in the Gospels and Acts as a leading disciple of Jesus. He is remembered for his strong confession of faith and his denial of Jesus before the crucifixion, which later became a key story of repentance and restoration.

Name and symbolism

Jesus gave Simon the name Peter, meaning “rock,” and promised him the keys of the kingdom of heaven. These symbols—keys, a rooster, a boat, and an upside-down cross—are central to Christian art and doctrine about Church authority.

Death and legacy

Tradition holds that Peter was martyred in Rome under Emperor Nero, crucified upside down at his own request. His burial site is traditionally linked to Vatican Hill, where Saint Peter’s Basilica now stands. His feast day is 29 June, shared with Saint Paul.

In short

  • Peter was a fisherman from Bethsaida and one of Jesus’ closest disciples.
  • Jesus renamed him Peter, meaning “rock,” and gave him the keys of heaven.
  • He is considered the first pope in Roman Catholic tradition.
  • He was martyred in Rome, traditionally by upside-down crucifixion.
Canadian angle

Saint Peter is widely recognized in Canadian Christian communities, especially within Roman Catholic and Orthodox traditions, and many churches, schools, and place names in Canada are dedicated to him.

Quick questions

Who was Saint Peter?
Saint Peter was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus and a leading figure in the early Christian Church.
Why is Saint Peter considered the first pope?
Roman Catholic tradition identifies him as the first bishop of Rome and the beginning of the papal succession.
How did Saint Peter die?
Christian tradition says he was martyred in Rome under Nero, traditionally by crucifixion.

Sources

  1. FOCUS — https://focus.org/posts/meet-the-saints-st-peter/
    Supports: Birth name Simon, fisherman from Bethsaida, feast day, patronage, symbols, and tradition as first pope
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Peter-the-Apostle
    Supports: Peter as one of the 12 Apostles, tradition of martyrdom in Rome, upside-down crucifixion, patronage, and Catholic tradition as first pope
  3. Vatican News — https://www.vaticannews.va/en/saints/06/29/saint-peter--apostle-of-the-city-of-rome.html
    Supports: Simon renamed Peter, Bethsaida origin, fisherman background, death and burial tradition in Rome and Vatican Hill
  4. Columbia University — https://projects.mcah.columbia.edu/treasuresofheaven/saints/Peter
    Supports: Peter as leader of the Apostles, first Bishop of Rome, renaming by Jesus, denial, preaching after the Resurrection, and martyrdom tradition
  5. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/summary/Saint-Peter-the-Apostle
    Supports: Summary of Peter as disciple of Jesus, leader of the Twelve Apostles, tradition of Rome martyrdom, and keys of heaven association