A new documentary pairs Pope Leo XIV with Hollywood actor Chris Pratt to examine the history and archaeological discoveries surrounding the tomb of St. Peter beneath the Vatican.
Pétros Ení — Discovering the Origins was produced by AF Films in collaboration with Vatican Media and the Fabric of St. Peter to mark the 400th anniversary of the consecration of St. Peter’s Basilica on 18 November 1626.
The film takes viewers into areas rarely open to the public, including the Roman necropolis preserved beneath the basilica. It draws on documents from the Archives of the Fabric of St. Peter, contributions from Vatican Necropolis expert Pietro Zander, images and audio of past popes, and archival material from epigrapher Margherita Guarducci.
Pope Leo appears in the final scenes discussing the figure of St. Peter and the significance of his tomb beneath the basilica.
Pratt, known for roles in Guardians of the Galaxy and Jurassic World, has spoken publicly about his Christian faith and is married to a practicing Catholic. According to Vatican News, he said the experience of making the film deeply moved him and helped him “define my faith.”
“What I would like audiences to understand about Peter after watching this documentary is that he was an imperfect man,” Pratt said. “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.”
He added: “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.”
The title Pétros Ení comes from a Greek inscription found near the apostle’s burial site that means “Peter is here.” The documentary is scheduled for a theatrical debut in February 2027, during the first weeks of Lent.
Hallow Studios will handle distribution in the US and Canada, Bosco Films in Spain, and Cinépolis +Que Cine in Mexico, Brazil, and Colombia.
“When I first saw this film it changed my life. I think it is one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen. It is an honor to get to partner together on it,” said Alex Jones, Hallow CEO and co-founder. “And the fact that it is led by one of our core Hallow partners in Chris and features such a powerful reflection from Pope Leo is just truly extraordinary.”
The first trailer was released on 16 October.
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