Peter, Saint

Peter, Saint (died about 68 ad) .

It is thought that St. Peter was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ.

According to the Bible, at first his name was Simon and Jesus changed it to Kephas or Peter. In the language they spoke, this word meant 'rock' and Jesus said to Peter, 'Upon this rock I shall build my church.'

Peter took Jesus's place as the leader of the Christian Church. At this time, the chief city of the western world was Rome and he went there to preach and became the first Bishop of Rome or Pope.

Peter was a fisherman by trade and his home was in the village of Bethsaida on the Sea of Galilee.

His brother, Andrew, also became one of Jesus's apostles.

Peter was put to death by the Roman emperor, Nero. It is said he was crucified upside down and he is probably buried under St. Peter's Cathedral in Rome.