The two great Apostles, Peter and Paul, are the solid rock on which the Church is built. They are at the origin of her faith and will forever remain her protectors and her guides. To them Rome owes her true greatness, for it was under God’s providential guidance that they were led to make of the capital of the Empire, sanctified by their martyrdom, the center of the Christian world, whence should radiate the preaching of the Gospel. St. Peter suffered martyrdom under Nero, about the year 67 A.D. He was buried on the hill of the Vatican where recent excavations have revealed his tomb on the very site of the basilica of St. Peter’s. Meanwhile, St. Paul was beheaded in the via Ostia on the spot where now stands the basilica bearing his name. The Mass expresses the confidence of the Church in the intercession of those “from whom she first received the faith.” Particular emphasis is laid on the prerogatives of Peter, God’s special protection of him; such prerogatives have been handed down to the Popes, Peter’s successors in the See of Rome.