What is apostolic succession?

Apostolic succession is the continuation of the apostles' teaching, authority, and sacramental ministry through the bishops. Each bishop receives his ministry through episcopal ordination within a succession reaching back to the apostles.

Where it comes from. Jesus chose the Twelve and gave them authority to teach, sanctify, and govern in His name (Mt 10:1-8; 28:18-20). He gave Peter a distinct responsibility for strengthening his brethren and tending the whole flock (Lk 22:32; Jn 21:15-17). After Judas died, the apostles appointed Matthias to take his place (Acts 1:20-26). They later appointed ministers by prayer and the laying on of hands, and St. Paul instructed Timothy to entrust the faith to reliable men who could teach others in turn (2 Tim 2:2).

How it continues. The apostles appointed bishops as their successors and entrusted them with preserving the Gospel (CCC 77, 861-862). Through the sacrament of Holy Orders, bishops ordain other bishops. This sacramental laying on of hands provides a visible historical continuity of ministry. Priests share in the bishop's priesthood and serve under his authority, while deacons are ordained for service. Only a validly ordained bishop can confer the sacrament of Holy Orders (CCC 1576).

What succession preserves. Apostolic succession involves more than a historical chain of ordinations. A bishop is charged with faithfully teaching the apostolic faith, celebrating the sacraments, and governing the local Church in communion with the whole college of bishops. The bishops together succeed the college of the apostles, with the pope, the Bishop of Rome and successor of Peter, as their visible head (CCC 880-882). Succession separated from apostolic faith or ecclesial communion is wounded, even where valid orders remain.

Why it matters. Christianity is a received faith, not something each generation recreates. Apostolic succession gives the Church a visible, sacramental link to those whom Christ personally commissioned. It safeguards the Eucharist, Holy Orders, authoritative teaching, and the unity of the Church across centuries. St. Paul summarized this pattern plainly: "Guard the good deposit entrusted to you" (2 Tim 1:14).

When discerning a church's claims, ask whether it preserves the apostles' faith, sacraments, and ordained ministry in historical communion with their successors. In the Catholic Church, that continuity remains visible in the bishops united with the pope.