Peter To Rot (1912–1945) was a lay catechist from Papua New Guinea, born into a devout Catholic family in Rakunai. Trained at St. Paul’s College, he was known for his strong faith, deep prayer life, and dedication to teaching and pastoral care. He married Paula Ia Varpit in 1936 and served his community as a loving husband, father, and spiritual leader.

During World War II, after Japanese forces occupied the island and imprisoned foreign missionaries, Peter took on full responsibility for leading the local church. He secretly continued his catechetical work and opposed the Japanese-imposed legalization of polygamy, defending the sanctity of Christian marriage. His resistance led to his arrest in 1944, where he was imprisoned, tortured, and ultimately executed by lethal injection and beating in July 1945.

Peter To Rot was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1995 as a martyr who died in hatred of the faith (odium fidei). In 2025, Pope Francis approved his canonization, which will make him the first saint from Papua New Guinea.