Hollywood actor Chris Pratt guides viewers through the Vatican Necropolis in the new documentary Pétros Ení — Discovering the Origins, which premiered at the Rome Film Festival alongside an appearance by Pope Leo XIV marking the 400th anniversary of the consecration of St. Peter’s Basilica.
A warm round of applause filled the auditorium at the Rome Film Festival when the audience saw Pope Leo XIV onscreen, according to Vatican News. The spontaneous tribute at the Gianni Borgna Studio Theatre came as Dr. Paolo Ruffini, Prefect of the Dicastery for Communication, spoke about the Pope’s health while receiving treatment at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital. Ruffini expressed hope that the recovery continues to progress well following surgery.
Produced by AF Films—led by Frank Ariza and Manu Vega—in collaboration with Vatican Media and the Fabric of St. Peter, the documentary marks the 400th anniversary of the consecration of St. Peter’s Basilica, which took place on November 18, 1626. The film is directed by Spanish filmmaker Paula Ortiz and written by Andrea Tornielli.
Chris Pratt Explores the Vatican Necropolis
The feature-length project takes its name from a Greek inscription meaning Peter is here
discovered near the apostle’s burial grounds, as Variety reported. Over the course of the production, Pratt explored the sacred site and noted that he had been profoundly moved by his experience at St Peter’s Basilica, describing it as a special and sacred place.
Vatican Media confirmed the production of a documentary featuring Chris Pratt, filmed inside the Vatican Necropolis and St. Peter’s Basilica.The project details the history and archaeology of the Tomb of the Apostle Peter. St. Peter’s Basilica was officially consecrated on… pic.twitter.com/FXxP0IOci9
Opening credits explicitly note that none of the imagery was altered using artificial intelligence. Pratt guides the audience from an evening walk alone through St. Peter’s Square into the illuminated nave of the Basilica, blending the whispers of millennia-old statues with archival footage and official documents.
It was an incredible honor to collaborate with Pope Leo and the Vatican on this project. The story of St. Peter is foundational to the Christian faith, and I am deeply grateful for the trust and access I was given to bring his legacy to the screen.
Chris Pratt, actor, via Vatican News
In interviews filmed at the Vatican, the actor—who returned to the Catholic faith about six years ago—shared that working on the documentary was a personal experience helping him define his faith. Best known to audiences for starring in the Guardians of the Galaxy and Jurassic World franchises, he noted that he wanted audiences to view the Apostle through a distinctly human lens.
What I would like audiences to understand about Peter after watching this documentary is that he was an imperfect man.
Chris Pratt, actor, via Vatican News
Archaeological Discoveries Beneath the Altar
The film incorporates scholarly insights alongside archival audio recordings of past popes and historical context regarding the site where Peter was martyred in Rome on the Vatican Hill during persecutions under the Emperor Nero.
The narrative recounts how the area where he was buried became a center of devotion and worship from the earliest centuries of Christianity, so much so that many converts to the new religion wished to be buried beside him.
Even the relics of St. Peter, have been identified in a manner that we may consider convincing (…) We have reason to believe that the few, but most sacred, mortal remains of the Prince of the Apostles have been found.
Pope Paul VI, via Vatican News
Pope Paul VI announced to the world in 1968 that those mortal remains had been identified.
International Theatrical Release Plans
Following its Rome premiere, the documentary is scheduled to begin an international theatrical rollout in February 2027 during the opening weeks of Lent. Regional distribution partners are managing the rollout across multiple markets, with Hallow Studios handling distribution in the United States and Canada.
Bosco Films will release the documentary in Spain, while Cinépolis +Que Cine oversees theatrical distribution across Mexico, Brazil, and Colombia, bringing the Vatican Necropolis and the historical legacy of St. Peter to global audiences ahead of the Easter season.