St. Peter’s Basilica located within the Vatican City
St. Peter Holding the Keys to Heaven
Rome celebrates its two patron saints, St. Peter and St. Paul, each year on June 29th. According to legend, the two were martyred in Rome on the same day in 64 AD, although at different places. They were martyred for teaching Christianity. St. Peter, known as the first Pope by the Roman Catholic Church, was crucified. St. Paul, being a Roman citizen, was beheaded by sword (because he was a Roman citizen, he was not allowed death by crucifixion). Also according to legend, it is said St. Peter’s Basilica is built over the burial site of St. Peter.
Each year Rome honors and remembers the saints with the Feast of Saint Peter and Saint Paul. It is a public holiday in Rome, and a holy day of obligation in the Roman Catholic Church. Pope Benedict XVI is scheduled to conduct a Papal Mass at the Vatican’s Basilica on Wednesday, June 29th at 9:30 AM, in honor of the holy feast day.
If you are planning to be in the Eternal City on June 29th, keep in mind it is a public holiday in Rome, meaning many businesses are likely to be closed. It’s also a perfect chance to catch a glimpse of the Pope if that is something on your to-do list.