New film on St. Peter’s tomb features Pope Leo, narration by Chris Pratt

Pope Leo XIV is featured in a new documentary narrated by actor Chris Pratt that explores St. Peter’s life and the search for his tomb beneath the Vatican.

The film, Pétros Ení: Discovering the Origins, premiered Oct. 16 at the Rome Film Festival and was produced to mark the 400th anniversary of St. Peter’s Basilica’s consecration, which falls on Nov. 18, according to Vatican News. Meaning “Peter is here” in Greek, Pétros Ení refers to an inscription found beneath the basilica near the apostle’s burial site.

In an Oct. 16 announcement, Hallow said the documentary includes “never-before-seen footage” beneath St. Peter’s Basilica.

Vatican News reported that the roughly hourlong film takes viewers into the ancient Roman burial grounds beneath the basilica. It draws on archival documents and footage, along with the expertise of Pietro Zander, who oversees the Vatican Necropolis.

Hallow said Hallow Studios will distribute the film exclusively in the U.S. and Canada, bringing it to theaters and the Hallow app during Lent 2027.

Hallow also described the film as Pope Leo’s first appearance in a feature film, noting that he offers an “extended reflection” on St. Peter.

Alex Jones, Hallow’s CEO and co-founder, praised the documentary.

“When I first saw this film it changed my life,” Jones said in the announcement. “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.”

Pratt, who returned to the Catholic faith six years ago according to Vatican News, said he hopes viewers recognize the apostle’s humanity and the source of his strength.

“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.”

The film traces the history of the search for the Church father’s tomb, from the excavations commissioned by Pope Pius XII during World War II through the identification of remains attributed to St. Peter under Pope Paul VI, Vatican News reported.

Hallow’s announcement came three days after Pope Leo underwent surgery at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital to remove the lower lobe of his right lung. An examination during the operation confirmed a diagnosis of lung cancer, as Zeale News previously reported.

Vatican News noted that the audience applauded Pope Leo during the film’s presentation as Paolo Ruffini, prefect of the Dicastery for Communication, expressed hope for his continued recovery.

According to the outlet, the documentary was directed by Paula Ortiz, written by Andrea Tornielli, and produced by AF Films in collaboration with Vatican Media and the Fabric of St. Peter.