Vatican News
Pétros ení: Discovering the Origins is a new documentary that marks the 400th anniversary of the inauguration and consecration of St Peter’s Basilica, which took place on Nov 18, 1626.
Produced by AF Films, founded by Frank Ariza and Manu Vega, in collaboration with the Dicastery for Communication’s Vatican Media and the Fabric of St Peter, the documentary is directed by Spanish filmmaker Paula Ortiz and written by Andrea Tornielli, in consultation also with archaeologist Pietro Zander, the leading expert on the Vatican Necropolis.
The film, which will receive a special preview screening at the Rome Film Festival on Oct 16 at 11:30 a.m. CET, features images of the crypt that houses the Apostle’s tomb, which, hidden away and modest in appearance, lies within the Vatican Necropolis.
Pope Leo XIV and Chris Pratt tell the story of Peter
American actor Chris Pratt guides viewers on this fascinating journey through faith, history, and archaeology, deep into the most concealed depths of the great Basilica.
The journey is enriched and made extraordinary by Pope Leo XIV, who exceptionally appears in the final scenes to explain the figure of Peter and the significance of his tomb’s presence beneath the church, whose colonnade designed by Bernini embraces Christendom and the entire world.
“It was an incredible honor to collaborate with Pope Leo and the Vatican on this project. The story of St Peter is foundational to the Christian faith, and I am deeply grateful for the trust and access I was given to bring his legacy to the screen,” Pratt said.
From the first Basilica to archaeological discoveries
The history of the Basilica is closely intertwined with the life of Peter, the fisherman from Galilee to whom Jesus entrusted the leadership of the nascent Church. Peter was martyred in Rome on the Vatican Hill during persecutions under the Emperor Nero.
From the earliest centuries of Christianity, the area where he was buried became a center of devotion and worship. So much so that many converts to the new religion wished to be buried beside him.
Step by step, through a fascinating journey back in time and with the help of images never before captured on film, viewers are drawn into an exploration of Peter’s tomb.
The first emperor to convert to Christianity, Constantine, sought to preserve the tomb. To build the first great basilica, he ordered part of the slopes of Vatican Hill to be leveled, incorporating the area surrounding the tomb into the new structure.
Through historical accounts and archaeological discoveries, the documentary guides viewers toward identifying the Apostle’s burial place in the Vatican Necropolis. Pope Pius XII officially announced the discovery in 1950. Ten years earlier, during times of war, he had strongly advocated for the excavations to begin.
Subsequent research led Pope Paul VI to announce to the world in 1968 that the bones of the Galilean fisherman who had followed Jesus had also been found.
“Even the relics of St Peter,” the Pope declared, “have been identified in a manner that we may consider convincing (…) We have reason to believe that the few, but most sacred, mortal remains of the Prince of the Apostles have been found.” – Vatican News
