Actor Chris Pratt is Filming a Documentary at the Vatican's Tomb of Saint Peter


🎬 Chris Pratt's Documentary on the Tomb of St. Peter

The American actor Chris Pratt is presently filming a documentary detailing the search and discovery of the Apostle's tomb within the Vatican Necropolis in the Vatican. Pratt will guide viewers on this remarkable journey, blending faith, history, and archaeology.

Production and Release Details

The film is a joint production by Vatican Media (of the Dicastery for Communication), Fabbrica di San Pietro, and AF Films (Frank Ariza and Manu Vega). The director is Paula Ortiz, and the documentary was written by Andrea Tornielli with consultancy by Pietro Zander.

  • Filming Location: Currently underway in St. Peter's and the Vatican Necropolis.

  • Release Date: Scheduled for 2026.

  • Significance of 2026: It marks the 400th anniversary of the inauguration and dedication of the current St. Peter's Basilica, which took place on November 18, 1626.

Chris Pratt's Statement

Pratt expressed his deep honor to Vatican News:

"It is an extraordinary honor to collaborate with Pope Leo and the Vatican on this project. The story of St. Peter is central to the Christian faith, and I am deeply grateful for the trust and access granted to me to help bring his legacy to the screen."

The Historical Context and Discovery

The history of the Basilica is inextricably linked to the life of Peter, the fisherman from Galilee whom Jesus entrusted with leading the Church. Peter was martyred in Rome on the Vatican Hill in 64 AD.

  • Early Devotion: His burial site rapidly became a focal point of worship.

  • First Basilica: Emperor Constantine sought to preserve the tomb by leveling the Vatican Hill to construct the first great Basilica, enclosing the burial area.

  • Official Identification: The journey through historical evidence and archaeological discoveries guides the viewer to the Apostle's burial site.

    • 1950: Pius XII officially announced the identification of the burial site in the Vatican Necropolis, following excavations he ordered ten years prior.

    • 1968: Paul VI announced the discovery of the bones, stating: "The relics of Peter 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 located."

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