Apostles · Martyrs · Patrons of Rome
Two apostles whose different roads met at Rome.
Christ called Peter from his nets and entrusted him with the keys. He stopped Paul on the road to Damascus and sent him to the nations. Their paths ended in Rome, where both sealed the same apostolic faith with their blood.
Simon Peter left his nets at the word of Christ. He confessed Jesus as the Messiah, received the keys of the kingdom, and was commanded to strengthen his brethren and feed the Lord’s flock.
He also denied Christ three times. After the Resurrection, Christ asked him three times to feed His sheep. The Church recognizes the office entrusted to Peter as continuing in the Bishop of Rome.
Saul set out for Damascus to arrest Christians. On the road he encountered the risen Christ, entered the city blind, and was baptized. The persecutor became the apostle sent to the Gentiles.
Paul crossed the Roman world preaching Christ crucified and risen. His letters formed the churches he had founded and still instruct the Church. The sword recalls both the Word he carried and his traditional martyrdom by beheading.
Peter and Paul differed in temperament, history, and work. They even confronted one another. Both eventually came to Rome, confessed the same Lord, and suffered martyrdom there—traditionally during the persecution under Nero.
The Church celebrates them together on June 29: Peter, the rock entrusted with the keys, and Paul, the apostle sent to the nations. Rome became the meeting place of their final witness.
At a glance
Peter confesses Christ; Paul later encounters the risen Lord.
Peter leads and Paul undertakes his missionary journeys.
Both apostles are martyred at Rome according to ancient tradition.
The Church celebrates their united apostolic witness.
Watch the story
A brief account of the fisherman called from Galilee and the persecutor stopped on the road to Damascus.
Sources & further reading
The design standard
Peter was entrusted with the keys. Paul was sent across the Roman world. Their temperaments, histories, and missions remained distinct, but their roads met in Rome and their blood was shed for the same confession of Christ.
The key and the sword meet beneath the Cross as signs of one apostolic faith: preached in different voices, guarded in communion, and handed down by the Church they served.
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Saints Peter & Paul — United in Witness Heavyweight Tee