He was a simple fisherman in a village near Galilee. After making a miraculous catch one day, he knelt in front of Jesus and was told to "fish for people." Jesus changed his name from Simon to Peter ("rock" in Greek) and said he would build his church on "this rock" and give him "the keys of the kingdom of heaven." St. Peter is called the first Pope even though he did not hold that title. An evangelist, he traveled extensively and is thought to have spent his final years in Rome, where he established the Holy See. St. Peter was crucified during the persecutions of Emperor Nero in the year 64. Although his request was not granted, out of respect for Jesus he asked to be crucified upside down.