Apostolic Succession

Apostolic Succession is the unbroken chain of authority handed from the Apostles to the bishops through the laying on of hands — the mechanism by which the mission, authority, and teaching of the Apostles has been continuously transmitted to every generation of the Church (CCC 77, 861).

Why It Exists

When Jesus ascended, he left the Apostles with his authority to teach, sanctify, and govern the Church. To ensure this mission would continue until the end of time, the Apostles ordained successors — bishops — who in turn ordained further bishops. This chain has never been broken (CCC 860–862).

Why It Matters

Apostolic Succession is not merely organizational — it is the guarantee of doctrinal continuity and sacramental validity. Only bishops in apostolic succession can validly ordain priests; only validly ordained priests can celebrate the Eucharist and the sacraments that require priestly ordination. Without apostolic succession, a community lacks the fullness of the means of salvation (CCC 1576).

The Petrine Primacy

Within the college of Apostles, Christ gave Peter a unique primacy — the role of leader and foundation (Matthew 16:18–19). This primacy passes to Peter's successors as Bishops of Rome — the Popes — who exercise a universal pastoral jurisdiction over the whole Church (CCC 881–882).

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Protestant communities have apostolic succession? Most Protestant communities lack valid apostolic succession and therefore lack valid Holy Orders and the Eucharist. The Orthodox Churches, however, do possess valid apostolic succession and valid sacraments, though they are not in full communion with Rome (CCC 838, 1400).

Can apostolic succession be traced historically? Yes. For many sees — including Rome — the line of succession can be traced bishop by bishop from the present day back to the Apostles (CCC 861).