Chris Pratt and Pope Leo XIV Collaborate on Vatican Documentary ‘Pétros Ení’

On November 18, 2026, the Vatican will commemorate 400 years since the consecration of St. Peter’s Basilica with a unique documentary. This film takes viewers beneath the basilica to the burial site traditionally believed to be that of the Apostle Peter, guided by a Hollywood star.

Titled ‘Pétros Ení — Discovering the Origins’, the documentary is directed by Spanish filmmaker Paula Ortiz and written by Andrea Tornielli. It is produced by AF Films, led by Frank Ariza and Manu Vega, in collaboration with Vatican Media and La Fabbrica di San Pietro, the institution responsible for the basilica’s maintenance.

Filming took place inside St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Necropolis, which contains tombs dating back to the first through fourth centuries A.D. This project marks the first time the tomb will be captured on camera in such a manner, featuring exclusive images that have never been seen before.

Chris Pratt, known for his roles in ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ and ‘Jurassic World’, serves as the documentary’s on-screen guide, with a special appearance by Pope Leo XIV. The first trailer was revealed by Variety on October 16, coinciding with the film’s premiere at the Rome Film Festival ahead of its international release.

Pratt expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to work with Pope Leo and the Vatican, stating to Variety that the story of St. Peter is fundamental to the Christian faith. He conveyed his appreciation for the trust and access he received to portray that legacy on screen.

In the film’s concluding scenes, the pope reflects on St. Peter and the importance of his tomb, as reported by Vatican News. This collaboration lends the documentary a significant level of institutional support, blending faith, history, and archaeology.

The film narrates the journey of Peter, the fisherman from Galilee, whom Jesus entrusted with the Church’s leadership. According to tradition, he was martyred in Rome on Vatican Hill in 64 A.D. The documentary outlines how Emperor Constantine preserved the site by leveling the Vatican Hill to construct the first large basilica, incorporating the tomb area.

It also delves into the archaeological efforts that followed. Excavations beneath the basilica were initiated by Pope Pius XII in 1950, and in 1968, Pope Paul VI announced that St. Peter’s bones had been identified in a manner he deemed convincing. The documentary guides viewers through this narrative, culminating at the tomb itself.

Pratt filmed in Rome in December 2025 and met Pope Leo XIV during his visit. He later described the experience as profound in an essay for Maria Shriver’s The Sunday Paper, reflecting on standing deep beneath the basilica and encountering the bones of one of Jesus’ disciples as something tangible.

In that essay, Pratt shared that he was baptized in a Catholic church and has believed in God since childhood, attending Catholic, Lutheran, and Evangelical churches. His wife, Katherine Schwarzenegger, is a practicing Catholic, and they are raising their children in the faith. Pratt has also participated in prayer challenges for the Hallow app and is open about his beliefs.

This Vatican project aligns with Pratt’s recent trend of faith-based work, even as he continues to star in major studio films and series. It presents a unique blend of blockbuster fame and religious themes, likely to attract interest from both fans and the general public.

The documentary’s release is strategically timed to coincide with the 400th anniversary of the current basilica’s consecration, a milestone the Vatican has emphasized for months. The premiere at the Rome Film Festival marks the beginning of its global rollout, although further details about the release beyond Rome are yet to be announced.

For those intrigued by one of the world’s most renowned religious sites, the film offers a rare glimpse into areas seldom open to cameras. With Pratt as the guide, it aims to share this history with a broader audience.

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