Apostolic Succession
Greek apostolos, "one who is sent"
Definition
The unbroken handing-on of the apostles' authority and mission to bishops through ordination, from the apostles to the present day.
The apostles appointed successors and instructed them to do the same. In Acts 1, the apostles choose Matthias to fill Judas' "office." Paul tells Timothy to entrust what he received "to faithful people who will have the ability to teach others as well" (2 Timothy 2:2).
Around A.D. 96, Pope Saint Clement of Rome wrote that the apostles "appointed [bishops] and afterwards gave instructions that when these should fall asleep, other approved men should succeed to their ministry." Apostolic succession guarantees that the Church today teaches what the apostles taught (CCC 77).