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Chris Pratt and Pope Leo XIV Unveil St. Peter's Tomb Documentary
Confirmed
In Short: Actor Chris Pratt and Pope Leo XIV premiered a documentary exploring the history and archaeological discoveries surrounding St. Peter's tomb beneath St. Peter's Basilica.
Actor Chris Pratt and Pope Leo XIV unveiled a new documentary titled 'Pétros ení: Discovering the Origins' at the Rome Film Festival on October 16.
The documentary, produced by AF Films in collaboration with the Vatican Dicastery for Communications and the Fabric of St. Peter, delves into the history and archaeological discoveries surrounding the tomb of St. Peter.
According to Catholic tradition, St. Peter was crucified upside down in the circus made by Emperor Nero that once towered over Vatican Hill during a time of relentless persecution of Christians.
The film, directed by Spanish filmmaker Paula Ortiz and written by Andrea Tornielli, takes viewers beneath St. Peter's Basilica into the Vatican Necropolis, an ancient burial ground.
Excavations began under Pope Pius XII in 1940 during the Second World War, and the Vatican announced the discovery of the tomb area in 1950.
Further research led Pope Paul VI to announce in 1968 that the remains believed to belong to St. Peter had been identified.
In his introductory remarks, Paolo Ruffini, head of the Vatican Dicastery for Communication, addressed the 'Christian paradox' of a church entrusted to a weak and sinful man.
Chris Pratt, who returned to the Catholic faith about six years ago, said the experience of making the film deeply moved him and helped him define his faith.
Pratt noted, 'He was a weak man. He was a human being. And I believe we are all broken, imperfect and weak. But his strength lies in the grace of Jesus and his faith in God.'
Pope Leo XIV, who is currently receiving treatment at Rome's Gemelli Hospital, appeared in the documentary's closing scenes, reflecting on St. Peter's legacy.
The film premiered to a warm round of applause at the Rome Film Festival, where the audience appreciated the rare glimpse into the tomb of St. Peter.
Pope Leo XIV's recovery is progressing well following surgery, according to Paolo Ruffini, Prefect of the Dicastery for Communication.
What this adds
The film includes contributions from Pietro Zander, one of the leading experts on the Vatican Necropolis, and features images and audio recordings of the popes, as well as archival footage from renowned epigrapher Margherita Guarducci.
Background
Actor Chris Pratt and Pope Leo XIV premiered a documentary about the discovery of St. Peter's remains beneath St. Peter's Basilica.
Vatican News is the official news portal of the Holy See, serving as a source of information about the activities, pronouncements, and events related to the global Catholic Church and the operations of the Holy See.
What's confirmed
- The roughly one-hour documentary was produced by AF Films in collaboration with the Vatican Dicastery for Communications and the Fabric of St.
- “Pétros Ení — Discovering the Origins” was produced by AF Films in collaboration with Vatican Media and the Fabric of St.
- Peter, contributions from Pietro Zander (one of the leading experts on the Vatican Necropolis), images and audio recordings of the popes, and archival footage from renowned epigrapher Margherita Guarducci.
- According to Vatican News, he said the experience of making this film deeply moved him and helped him “define my faith.” “What I would like audiences to understand about Peter after watching this documentary is that he was an imperfect man,” Pratt said.
- Peter’s Basilica, featuring Pope Leo XIV and narrated by Hollywood actor Chris Pratt.
What's still developing
- The film also includes footage of areas beneath the church that are rarely accessible to the public.
- Pratt’s journey is thus enriched by documentary evidence, bringing to life the work that began with the sampietrini (the workers responsible for the upkeep of St Peter’s Basilica) and the fossori (the grave diggers), who undertook delicate excavations during wartime.
- In a video message addressed to the audience at the Rome Film Festival and shown before the screening at the Gianni Borgna Studio Theatre in the Auditorium Parco della Musica, Pratt spoke of how deeply he had been involved in making Pétros ení.
- In the film, Pratt guides viewers on a journey to discover the Apostle’s tomb, his life and his humanity.