Saint Peter

Peter was a fisherman on the Sea of Galilee. His real name was Simon, but Jesus gave him a new name: Peter, which means 'rock.' Jesus told him, 'You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church.' Peter was the leader of the twelve apostles. He walked on water (until he got scared and started to sink!). He sometimes made mistakes — he even denied knowing Jesus three times on the night Jesus was arrested. But he cried and was truly sorry. After Jesus rose, He forgave Peter and made him the first Pope — the shepherd of the whole Church. Peter preached in many places and was finally killed in Rome for being a Christian. He asked to be crucified upside-down, because he said he was not worthy to die the same way as Jesus. His tomb is under St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican today.