According to the Roman Catholic Church, this person arrived in Rome around the year 42 A.D., was martyred in around the year 67, and is considered the founder of the Church in Rome. Who is he?

Originally a fisherman from Galilee named Simon, this central figure of the early Christian faith was given the name Peter by Jesus, which translates to "rock." This new name was significant, as Jesus declared, "upon this rock I will build my church," establishing Peter's foundational role. As the most prominent of the twelve apostles, strong tradition holds that he traveled to the heart of the Roman Empire to organize and lead the burgeoning Christian community there, effectively becoming its first bishop.

His ministry in Rome concluded during the great persecution of Christians under Emperor Nero. According to longstanding tradition, when he was condemned to death by crucifixion, Peter made a final, humble request. Believing himself unworthy to be executed in the same manner as Jesus, he asked to be crucified upside down. This act of martyrdom, which occurred around the year 67, solidified his status as a pillar of the faith.

Because of his leadership as the first Bishop of Rome, the Roman Catholic Church considers him the first pope. This established the principle of apostolic succession, where each subsequent pope is viewed as Peter's spiritual successor. His tomb is traditionally believed to lie directly beneath the high altar of St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City, built in his honor.