These statues are currently situated on the opposite walls of the transept. They were originally placed off the floor about six feet, at the sides of the sanctuary.
Saints Peter and Paul are the patron saints of this church, and were very important figures in the early Church. Peter, originally called Simon, was one of the twelve apostles. He was chosen by Christ Himself for a leadership role. After denying that he knew Jesus after His arrest, he restated his love of Christ after the resurrection, and went on to lead the early church.
Paul, originally called Saul, participated in persecutions of the earliest Christians. Knocked off his horse on the way to Damascus, he received a special mission from Christ to bring the good news of salvation to the Gentiles (non-Jews). His many travels are documented in the Acts of the Apostles and his own epistles (letters).
Peter is portrayed holding the keys to heaven and a book, symbolizing his role as the inspired author of two epistles. Paul carries a sword to symbolize both his fervor in spreading the gospel, as well as his martyrdom by the sword. He also holds a book to symbolize his inspired writings.