Papacy & the Church
Apostolic Succession
The apostles ordained successors by the laying on of hands, and this unbroken chain of ordination continues in the bishops of the Catholic Church today.
Catholic teaching
Christ built his Church on the apostles and gave them authority to teach, sanctify, and govern in his name; this authority is transmitted through valid episcopal ordination in unbroken succession. Bishops in communion with Rome are the apostles' true successors.
Biblical foundation
The apostles appointed Matthias to fill Judas's 'office,' showing that apostolic ministry is an office to be transmitted. Paul instructs Timothy to guard what was entrusted and to ordain others through the laying on of hands.
Scripture references
Historical evidence
St. Irenaeus, writing around AD 180, lists the bishops of Rome in unbroken succession from Peter to refute the Gnostics, treating this list as public and verifiable proof of authentic apostolic teaching.
The Church Fathers
“We are in a position to enumerate those who were instituted bishops by the apostles and their successors down to our own times.”