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St Peter's Basilica
Photo: Wikimedia Commons · St. Peter's Basilica

St Peter's Basilica

The tomb of Peter · Vatican City

Peter, the fisherman to whom Jesus said 'feed my sheep', came to Rome and, according to early tradition, died here as a martyr under Emperor Nero, around 64 AD. He was buried in a cemetery on the Vatican hill, and in the 4th century Constantine built a basilica over his grave. Today's basilica, with Michelangelo's dome, was built in the 16th and 17th centuries. Its high altar stands directly above the place honoured as his tomb.

Did you know?

Under the basilica lies a Roman cemetery. You can walk through it on a guided tour, the 'Scavi'.

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An inspiring story

Quo vadis?

What if you turned around just as you were running away?

An old story from the second century tells that during Nero's persecution the Christians of Rome begged Peter to flee. He left the city along the Appian Way, and there he met Jesus, walking towards Rome. 'Lord, where are you going?' ('Quo vadis?') 'I am going to Rome, to be crucified again.' Why would that make Peter turn back? Because he understood: if he left his people alone now, Jesus would go in his place. Peter turned around and went back. He was crucified in Rome, and his grave lies beneath St Peter's.

The same Peter who once denied Jesus three times now walked back towards him. Courage is sometimes just turning around.

When you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will lead you where you do not want to go.John 21:18

Sources

Journeys through this place

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