This document discusses the tradition of St. Peter's martyrdom in Rome. It describes how Peter was crucified upside down near Nero's Circus, as Jesus had foretold his death would glorify God. It also mentions the archaeological evidence under St. Peter's Basilica pointing to Peter's original grave there.
5. John 21:18-19
Very truly, I tell you[, Peter], when you were
young, you used to fasten your own belt and go
wherever you wished. But when you grow old, you
will stretch out your hands and someone else will
fasten a belt around you and take you where you do
not want to go.
[Jesus] said this to indicate the kind of death by which
[Peter] would glorify God.
6. According to Tradition Peter was
Crucified Upside Down
Michelangelo
Merisi da
Carravagio, Painted
1601
8. Cut Away of Three Levels. From Papal Altar,
St. Peter's Basilica and Levels Thereunder.
Level of the Current Basilica
Level of Grottos/Tombs of the Popes
Chapel of Peter and Paul
Level of the "Trophy"/Pre-Constantinian
Necropolis
Level of Grave of Peter
9. Model of the Original "Trophy" in First
St. Peter's Basilica Built by Constantine
13. You are Peter and
on This Rock
I will build my Church
and the Gates of Hades
will not prevail against it.
I give to you the keys
to the Kingdom of the
Heavens.
And whatever you bind
on earth,
will be bound in Heaven.
And whatever you loose
on earth,
will be loosed in Heaven.
14. Bronze Statue of St. Peter
In St. Peter's Basilica, The Vatican
By Touching or
Kissing his Toe
The Faithful
Have Almost Rubbed It Off