Chris Pratt crosses St. Peter’s Square at night and enters the illuminated basilica alone. His journey will take him beneath its marble floors into an ancient cemetery—and the search for the apostle Peter’s burial place.
The actor guides and narrates “Pétros Ení — Discovering the Origins,” a documentary featuring Pope Leo XIV that premiered Oct. 16 at the Rome Film Festival.
Speaking about the project, Pratt emphasized Peter’s imperfections and his dependence on Christ, according to Vatican News.
“But his strength lies in the grace of Jesus and his faith in God,” Pratt said.
The documentary takes viewers into the Vatican Necropolis, following the historical and archaeological evidence behind the Vatican’s identification of Peter’s tomb. Its title means “Peter is here,” referring to a Greek inscription associated with the burial site.
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The film traces how the area became a place of devotion among early Christians. Centuries before the present basilica rose above it, Emperor Constantine incorporated the burial site into the first great church built there.
Excavations commissioned by Pope Pius XII began in 1940, followed by his announcement of the tomb’s discovery in 1950. Pope Paul VI announced in 1968 that remains identified as Peter’s had been found, according to the Vatican’s account.
Directed by Paula Ortiz and written by Andrea Tornielli, the production combines archival documents, historical recordings and contributions from Vatican Necropolis expert Pietro Zander. Leo appears in the closing scenes to reflect on Peter and the significance of his tomb.
The film marks the present basilica’s 400th consecration anniversary on Nov. 18. Hallow plans to release it in U.S. and Canadian theaters and through its app during Lent 2027.
Pratt described the experience of making the documentary as “helping me define my faith.”
James Lasher, a seasoned writer and editor at Charisma Media, combines faith and storytelling with a journalism background from Otterbein University and ministry experience in Guatemala and at the LA Dream Center. A Marine Corps and Air Force veteran, he is the author of The Revelation of Jesus: A Common Man’s Commentary and a contributor to Charisma magazine. For interviews and media inquiries, please contact [email protected].
