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Four encounters, in the evocative setting of St. Peter’s Basilica, to explore, with an unprecedented and original format, the life and Ministry of the Apostle Peter in history, arts and culture: this is the Lectio Petri project, promoted by St. Peter’s Basilica, the Fratelli tutti Foundation and the Courtyard of the Gentiles.

The first appointment is scheduled for Tuesday 25th October, at 6.30 pm, in the Basilica. The protagonist of the meeting – entitled “The life of St. Peter. The following, the tears and the martyrdom” – will be Card. Gianfranco Ravasi, President Emeritus of the Pontifical Council for Culture and founder of the ‘Courtyard of the Gentiles’, who will propose a reflection and some comments on some of the most significant Gospel passages concerning the Apostle and his vocation.

The chosen readings (Matthew 4:18-22 and Matthew 16:13-19 on the primacy of Peter, Matthew 26:69-75 on denial, and John 21:1-19 on Jesus’ appearance on the shore of the Sea of Galilee) will be interpreted by Alba Rohrwacher, a well-known and internationally acclaimed actress. The event will be enriched by the introduction and conclusions of Card. Mauro Gambetti, Archpriest of the Papal Basilica of St. Peter in the Vatican, and by a string quartet performing: Ave Verum Corpus (W.A. Mozart), Cantate Domino (G. F. Händel), Adagio from the Concert in C minor for Oboe and Strings (A. Marcello).

On Tuesday 22nd November, instead, a Catholic, a Protestant and an Orthodox theologian will debate together: the theme of the meeting will be the Primacy of Peter, entitled “Upon this rock I will build my Church”.

“Give account for the Hope that is in Us” is the appointment scheduled for Tuesday, 24th January 2023 and dedicated to an in-depth analysis of the figure of the Saint in history and culture. Card. Ravasi, on this occasion, will comment on the two Letters of Peter and some passages from Pliny’s Letter. One of the oldest sources describing the life of the early Christians. Prof. Giuliano Amato, President of the Courtyard of the Gentiles Foundation, will conclude the meeting with a reflection on the relationship between faith and society. The last Lectio Petri, “Quo vadis”, is scheduled for 7th March 2023 with the participation with prominent personalities from the world of culture It will analyse the figure of Peter in arts, literature and music.

To participate in the event on 25 October please register here: shorturl.at/bLWY5