The feast day of St. Peter and St. Paul is a significant celebration in the Christian calendar because it commemorates the lives of two martyrs.

The annual feast, observed on June 29, holds deep religious and historical significance for Christians around the world. Through their tireless efforts and unwavering faith, Peter and Paul left an indelible mark on Christianity, shaping its foundations and spreading the message of Jesus in the world.

The date commemorates the death of the two saints. They are believed to be buried at the two basilicas that bear their names: St. Peter’s and St. Paul’s Outside the Walls in Rome.

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The feast day serves as a reminder of the enduring power of faith and the transformative impact of Christ’s message. It calls believers to emulate the courage and commitment displayed by these apostles. Their lives serve as a testament to the transformative power of encountering Christ and the call to proclaim His message of love and salvation to the world.

Here is what you need to know about the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul:

Who were Peter and Paul?

St. Peter, also known as Simon, was one of the 122 apostles chosen by Jesus to be one of his closest followers. Catholics consider him the first pope and the founder of the church in Rome. Peter was a humble fisherman when Jesus called him to be a “fisher of men.”

Despite his initial doubts, Peter became a steadfast disciple and emerged as a prominent leader in the early Christian community. He is renowned for his faith, preaching and commitment to Christ, even in the face of persecution by the Romans.

St. Paul, originally named Saul, was a zealous persecutor of Christians until he encountered Jesus in a transformative experience on the road to Damascus. After his conversion, Paul became one of the most influential figures in the early spread of Christianity in the Middle East and later Europe.

He embarked on several missionary journeys, traveling extensively throughout the Roman Empire, proclaiming the gospel and establishing Christian communities. Paul’s writings, found in the New Testament, are revered for their theological depth and continue to guide believers today.

Both men were executed for their faith. Paul, who was a citizen of Rome, was beheaded. Peter, a Jew, was crucified like Jesus — then placed upside down when he asked that he not die like Christ.

How Rome celebrates

The feast day serves as a time to honor their remarkable contributions to the Christian faith. It is a day of joyful celebration, marked by various religious observances and traditions.

Churches around the world hold special Masses and liturgical services dedicated to these two apostles. Catholics gather to pay homage to Peter and Paul, seeking their intercession and inspiration in their own spiritual journeys.

In Rome, the feast takes on particular significance. The Basilica of St. Peter in the Vatican becomes the focal point of grand celebrations.

The pope — as the successor of St. Peter — presides over the liturgical ceremonies, emphasizing the unity and continuity of the church from its earliest days. Pilgrims from all corners of the globe flock to Rome, drawn by the allure of witnessing this historic event and seeking spiritual blessings.

A special Mass is held at the Vatican. During this Mass, the pope may confer the “pallium” (a liturgical vestment) upon newly appointed archbishops. Specific readings from the Bible, particularly Acts of the Apostles and the Gospel of Matthew, are chosen to be read, and many Italians and tourists use it as a chance to visit Rome as part of a religious pilgrimage. The saints are also the official patrons of the Italian capital.

How other Christians commemorate the day

Beyond Rome, other Christian denominations — such as Anglicans and Lutherans — also observe this feast day with reverence. Orthodox churches, for instance, commemorate the apostles Peter and Paul as preeminent saints, recognizing their martyrdom and spiritual leadership. These churches conduct special services and processions, honoring the enduring legacy of these two apostles.

In Eastern Orthodoxy, churches celebrate the feast day with a special liturgy, which is a central act of worship. The liturgy includes prayers, hymns and Scripture readings that focus on the lives and teachings of Peter and Paul.

Icons of Peter and Paul are venerated, and relics associated with the apostles may be displayed for veneration by the faithful. In addition, some Eastern Orthodox communities hold a festive meal or banquet following liturgical services in order to bring the community together in celebration.

Clemente Lisi is a senior editor at Religion Unplugged and teaches journalism at The King’s College in New York City. He is the author of “The FIFA World Cup: A History of the Planet’s Biggest Sporting Event.” Follow him on Twitter @ClementeLisi.