Pope St. Peter (1º): Life, Martyrdom & Why He Is the First Pope
Pontificate: c. 30 – c. 64
St. Peter was the 1st pope of the Catholic Church, reigning c. 30 – c. 64 during the apostolic and patristic Church. Born Simon, son of Jonah. The Catholic Church venerates him as a saint.
Who Was Pope Peter?
This biography of St. Peter (1º) covers background, major events, and legacy in the line of St. Peter. During the apostolic and patristic Church, the Bishop of Rome exercised teaching, sanctifying, and governing authority for the universal Church. Catholics honor him as a saint whose intercession remains available to the faithful.
Early Life & Background
Born Bethsaida, Gaulanitis, Herodian tetrarchy, he entered a world shaped by politics and piety very different from today's global Church. Born Simon, son of Jonah.
Historical Context
Peter shepherded the Church when Christianity was still an outlawed or barely tolerated faith in the Roman Empire. Papal records from this era are scarce, but tradition and archaeology preserve the memory of these earliest successors of St. Peter. St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City is named after him.
Pontificate & Key Events
The pontificate (c. 30 – c. 64) centered on governance during the apostolic and patristic Church. A Jewish peregrinus, free provincial subject of the Roman Empire who was not a Roman citizen. Feast day (Feast of Saints Peter and Paul) 29 June. According to Catholic tradition, he received the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven(Matthew 16:18–19).
Papal Acts & Achievements
Peter left a distinct mark through decisions that historians still debate and Catholics still study. Also revered as a saint in Eastern Christianity, with a feast day of 29 June.
Key Highlights
- 1st pope of the Catholic Church
- Pontificate: c. 30 – c. 64
- Venerated as a saint in the Catholic Church
- Feast day (Feast of Saints Peter and Paul) 29 June.
- Also revered as a saint in Eastern Christianity, with a feast day of 29 June.
Legacy in the Catholic Church
St. Peter remains pope 1º in the Annuario Pontificio. The Church venerates his feast and holds up his virtues for imitation. Read against the apostolic and patristic Church, his pontificate shows how Providence works through imperfect ministers without abandoning the Barque of Peter.
Why Catholics Study This Pope Today
Studying St. Peter helps Catholics see how the Holy Spirit guided the Church through the apostolic and patristic Church — with human weakness and grace intertwined. You may ask Peter for intercession and look up his feast in the Roman calendar or Martyrology. Primary sources from this pontificate — bulls, conciliar acts, or encyclicals — reward readers who want depth beyond summaries. Place this pope in context using our chronological list of all 267 popes and the biographies of his immediate predecessor and successor linked below.
Place in the Line of Succession
St. Peter stands at the beginning of the official list of Roman pontiffs as the first pope. Upon his death or resignation, he was succeeded by Pope St. Linus (2º), who continued the mission of shepherding the universal Church. Explore the full chronological chain in our complete list of all 267 popes, or read the biographies of neighboring pontiffs linked below.