A portrait of St. Peter Martyr
St. Peter Martyr
1206 – 1252
Feast
April 6 · XIII c.
Patron of
Inquisitors · Dominican martyrs · Headaches, traditional
Order
Priest / Dominican / Martyr
Italian Dominican preacher and martyr (1206-1252), of Verona, born of Cathar parents but a strong opponent of the heresy from his Bologna student days; papal inquisitor for northern Italy from 1251. Murdered by Cathar assassins on the road from Como to Milan, he traced "Credo in Deum" in his blood as he died. Canonized eleven months after his death (1253 by Innocent IV)—the fastest in papal history.
Life & Times
Born: 1206 · Died: 1252 · From: Italy.
Patronage
St. Peter Martyr is invoked as the patron of inquisitors, dominican martyrs, headaches, traditional. Those in these callings or circumstances often turn to this saint in prayer.
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About Catholic Saints
Catholic saints, including St. Peter Martyr, are Christians whom the Catholic Church has formally recognized as having lived lifes of heroic holiness and who now dwell with God in heaven, offering an example of faith for those still on their earthly journey. Catholics don't worship saints, but ask them to pray to God with us and for us — much as one might ask a trusted friend to pray for them — trusting that those closest to God can join their voices to ours before Him. Discover more saints in the Catholic Shop Saints section.