From a Catholic perspective, apostolic succession is the unbroken chain of authority and mission passed down from the apostles to today’s bishops, ensuring the Church remains rooted in Christ’s truth. This page explores its meaning, importance, and role in Catholic life.
Apostolic succession is the transmission of spiritual authority from the apostles, chosen by Christ, to their successors—the bishops—through the laying on of hands. It preserves the Church’s teaching, sacraments, and mission (CCC 861).
It originates with Jesus, who gave the apostles authority to teach and sanctify (Matthew 28:18-20). After Pentecost, they passed this on, as seen when Matthias replaced Judas (Acts 1:26) and Timothy was ordained (2 Timothy 1:6) (CCC 77).
It ensures the Church remains faithful to Christ’s teachings and sacraments. Without it, there’d be no guarantee of authentic doctrine or valid ordination, like for the Eucharist (CCC 857).
Bishops ordain other bishops, priests, and deacons through the sacrament of Holy Orders, tracing back to the apostles. This unbroken line—e.g., from St. Peter to modern popes—maintains unity and authority (CCC 1555).
Bishops, as successors to the apostles, govern, teach, and sanctify the Church. They’re the primary links in this chain, ensuring Christ’s mission continues through their ministry (CCC 880).
Yes, implicitly. Acts shows the apostles appointing successors (Acts 14:23), and Paul instructs Timothy to pass on what he’s received (2 Timothy 2:2). Early Church practice confirms this pattern (CCC 1087).
The Pope, as successor to St. Peter—whom Christ gave primacy (Matthew 16:18)—is the visible head of apostolic succession. His role ensures unity among all bishops worldwide (CCC 882).
The Church teaches it’s unbroken in the Catholic line, preserved by the Holy Spirit. Schisms or invalid ordinations (e.g., without proper form) may disrupt it elsewhere, but the Catholic succession endures (CCC 1576).
Some Protestant groups reject it, favoring Scripture alone over Tradition. The Catholic Church sees it as essential to the fullness of Christ’s Church, rooted in both Scripture and apostolic witness (CCC 83).
It guarantees valid sacraments—like Confession and the Eucharist—and trustworthy teaching. Catholics can trust their bishops and priests carry Christ’s authority, connecting them to the apostolic Church (CCC 1560).