Vatican News

Filming is currently underway in St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Necropolis for a documentary produced by Vatican Media, the Fabric of St. Peter, and AF Films (Frank Ariza and Manu Vega) dedicated to the discovery of the tomb of the Apostle. American actor Chris Pratt will guide viewers on this fascinating and unique journey through faith, history, and archaeology. “It is an extraordinary honor”, Pratt told Vatican News, “to partner with Pope Leo and the Vatican on this project. St. Peter’s story is foundational to the Christian faith, and I’m deeply grateful for the trust and access granted to help bring his legacy to the screen”.

AF Films has entrusted the Spanish director Paula Ortiz to direct this project. The documentary, written by Andrea Tornielli, with the help of Pietro Zander, will be launched in 2026, on the 400th anniversary of the inauguration and dedication of the current St. Peter’s Basilica on November 18, 1626.

The history of the Basilica is intertwined with the life of Peter, the fisherman from Galilee to whom Jesus entrusted the leadership of the Church, and who was martyred in Rome on the Vatican Hill in 64 AD. From the earliest centuries, the area of his burial became a center of devotion and worship. Many Christians wanted to be buried next to him.

Step by step, in an exciting journey through time, and with exclusive images, the viewer will take part in a journey that will lead them to discover the tomb of St Peter. The Emperor Constantine chose to preserve this area by leveling the Vatican Hill to build the first large Basilica, in which the tomb was incorporated.

Through historical evidence and archaeological discoveries, the viewer will discover the Apostle’s burial place in the Vatican Necropolis, officially announced in 1950 by Pope Pius XII. Ten years earlier he had asked for excavations to begin under the Basilica. In 1968, following subsequent research, Pope Paul VI announced that St Peter’s bones had been found: “The relics of Peter,” said the Pope, “have been identified in a way that we can consider convincing… We have reason to believe that the few, but sacrosanct, mortal remains of the Prince of the Apostles have been found.”