Saint Peter

Peter, Saint (Simon Peter; d. c.A.D. 64), leader of the 12 Apostles, regarded by Roman Catholics as the first pope. A Galilean fisherman when Jesus called him to be a disciple, he was a dominating but impulsive figure, and he denied Jesus after his arrest. He played a leading role in the early Church, especially in Jerusalem, as related in the Acts of the Apostles. By tradition, he died a martyr at Rome and is buried beneath St. Peter's church in Rome.

See also: Apostles.