en.malanginspirasi.com – To mark the 400th anniversary of the consecration of St. Peter’s Basilica, a new documentary titled Pétros ení: Alla scoperta delle origini (Pétros ení: Discovering the Origins) premiered on October 16 at the Rome Film Festival.
The hour-long production offers an intimate exploration of the historical, archaeological, and spiritual origins of the Vatican, featuring a special appearance by Pope Leo XIV alongside narration by American actor Chris Pratt.
During the presentation at the Gianni Borgna Studio Theatre, the audience offered warm applause for Pope Leo XIV, who was recovering at Gemelli Hospital following surgery.
Dr. Paolo Ruffini, Prefect of the Dicastery for Communication, opened the premiere by expressing hope that the Pontiff’s recovery continues to progress smoothly.
Reflecting on Human Weakness and Faith
Produced by AF Films in collaboration with Vatican Media and the Fabric of St. Peter, the project was directed by Paula Ortiz and written by Andrea Tornielli.
In a pre-recorded video address, Pratt shared how profoundly the project impacted him personally following his return to the Catholic faith six years ago.
He described filming inside the quiet, empty basilica at night as a deeply spiritual moment.
“What I would like audiences to understand about Peter after watching this documentary is that he was an imperfect man,” Pratt added.
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“He was a weak man. He was a human being. And I believe we are all broken, imperfect and weak. But his strength lies in the grace of Jesus and his faith in God. With that strength, through grace and faith, you can be incredibly strong,” ke continued
Dr. Ruffini reflected on this central message during his remarks, noting that the heart of the film rests in.
“The Christian paradox: a Church that Jesus entrusted to the leadership of a weak and sinful man, the fisherman from Galilee who had denied him but was forgiven when their eyes met”.
A Journey Through the Vatican Necropolis
Without utilizing artificial intelligence or digital embellishments, Pétros ení relies entirely on authentic cinematography to guide audiences through history.
The narrative follows Pratt as he walks across a quiet St. Peter’s Square before entering the illuminated basilica, eventually descending beneath the marble floors into the ancient Roman necropolis.
The documentary traces the mid-20th-century excavations commissioned by Pope Pius XII during World War II, shedding light on the dangerous labor performed by the sampietrini maintenance workers and fossori grave diggers.
Guided by archival records, papal recordings, and expert analysis from epigrapher Margherita Guarducci and necroplis supervisor Pietro Zander, the film recounts the journey that ultimately led Pope Paul VI to confirm the discovery of St. Peter’s authentic burial site.
