‘Peter and Paul in Rome’ Returns to Vatican for Basilica’s 4th Centenary
Rome, June 17 – The acclaimed stage play ‘Peter and Paul in Rome’ is once again gracing the Vatican stage, running from Monday, June 16, to Wednesday, June 18, in Piazza Santa Marta. This special return marks part of the celebrations for the 4th Centenary of the Dedication of the Vatican Basilica, drawing sold-out crowds and critical praise.
A Dialogue Across Time: The Heart of the Play
The play, written by Michele La Ginestra and directed by Roberto Marafante, imagines a series of encounters between the two apostles, Peter and Paul, during their time in Rome before their martyrdom. La Ginestra also stars as Peter, with Fabio Ferrari taking on the role of Paul. Their dynamic on stage, filled with wit, humor, and profound theological and human discussions, has captivated audiences.
“It was born from a simple and fascinating question: what would Peter and Paul have said to each other if they had met in Rome?” explained La Ginestra. The play delves into the contrasting personalities of the Galilean fisherman and the intellectual convert, exploring themes of faith, fear, and hope through accessible language.
A Unique Setting and Inclusive Audience
The open-air theater in Piazza Santa Marta, just meters from Michelangelo’s apse, provides a stunning backdrop for the performances, accommodating 850 spectators each night. All free tickets for the three evenings were quickly snapped up, highlighting the immense public interest.
Notably, the concluding evening on Wednesday will host seventy disadvantaged individuals from Rome, including homeless people from the St. Peter’s area, guests of Palazzo Migliori and Casa Sabotino, and editors from ‘L’Osservatore di Strada.’ This initiative underscores the inclusive spirit of the event.
From Basilica to Sistina: The Play’s Journey
The production first premiered in 2024 at the request of Fra Agnello Stoia, parish priest of St. Peter’s Basilica, performed before the Holy Door. It then moved to the Teatro Sistina in June 2025 with a revised version for the Jubilee. Its return to the Vatican this year is a significant part of the four-century celebration of the Basilica’s founding.
Humanity of Saints: A Core Message
Michele La Ginestra emphasizes the humanity of the saints as a central theme. “I liked the idea that, before being saints, they were first and foremost men,” he stated. He hopes to portray Peter as an ordinary person who made mistakes, was forgiven, and dedicated himself to Christ’s message. Performing so close to the Apostle’s tomb adds an emotional layer to the experience.
Fabio Ferrari, who portrays Paul, shared his deep personal connection to the role. “I am a late convert, so I made my first communion at 40, to give you an idea. Lately, I often play characters who have to do with the Church. In some way, something comes back. Evidently, there is something that calls me towards Jesus, so for me, it is a great joy.” He finds interpreting Paul, a figure crucial to the spread of Christianity, incredibly moving. “This is one of the shows I have loved the most in my career,” Ferrari confessed, adding that he finds himself moved to tears every night.
A Celebration of Faith and Community
The return of ‘Peter and Paul in Rome’ is not just a theatrical event but a profound celebration of faith, history, and community, bringing to life the enduring legacy of the apostles in the very heart of the Vatican.
