CrucisPope St. Peter
Pope St. Peter, born Simon, was a fisherman of Bethsaida in Galilee, brought to Jesus by his brother Andrew. The Lord gave him the name Cephas, or Peter, meaning "rock," declaring, "You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church," and entrusting to him the keys of the kingdom of heaven. Foremost among the apostles, impetuous and warm-hearted, he confessed Christ as "the Son of the living God," yet also denied Him three times in fear, and was three times restored by the risen Lord's charge, "Feed my sheep."
Filled with the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, he preached the first great sermon of the Church and led the apostolic community, later carrying the Gospel to Antioch and at last to Rome. As first bishop of Rome he is reckoned the first pope, the origin of the Church's unbroken line of succession. Tradition holds that he was martyred there under the Emperor Nero, about the year 64 or 67, crucified head downward at his own request. He is celebrated with St. Paul on 29 June.
Selected quotes
“Tend the flock of God that is in your charge, not for gain but eagerly.”
“Resist the devil, firm in your faith, and the God of all grace will himself restore you.”
“Clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for God gives grace to the humble.”