Reliquary theca with relic of Saint Peter, the Apostle of Christ, the first Pope and Bishop of Rome

An oval crystal-fronted silver pendant reliquary theca housing a precious first-class ex ossibus (of the bone) relic of Saint Peter the Apostle​. The relic is displayed on the ground of gold silk decorated with a hand drawn image of the crossed keys and identified in Latin on an ornate manuscript cedula label as S. Petri / Apostoli (Saint Peter, Apostle). On the back, the reliquary is secured by a perfectly preserved seal of red Spanish wax bearing an imprint with a coat of arms of the Archdiocese of Milan. 

Saint Peter the Apostle was a fisherman from Bethsaida near the Sea of Galilee. One of the first disciples called by Jesus, he became the leader of the Twelve Apostles and is traditionally recognized as the first Pope and Bishop of Rome. He famously confessed Jesus as the Messiah, walked on water, and denied Christ three times before repenting. After the Resurrection, Peter preached boldly, performed miracles, and led the early Church. He was martyred by crucifixion upside down in Rome around 64–67 under Nero. He is the patron saint of fishermen, net makers, shipbuilders, locksmiths, Rome, the papacy, and the Universal Church. His main feast day is commemorated on June 29 (Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul).