La Leçon de catéchisme (Catechism Lesson), 1890, by Jules-Alexis Muenier (1863-1942), oil on canvas, Musée des beaux-arts et d’archéologie de Besançon

Always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you, but do so with gentleness and reverence.”

cf. 1 Peter 3:15-16

catechesis

A daily morsel of Catholic education and faith formation.

Papacy

Succession

QUESTION OR COMMON OBJECTION:

Even if Peter had authority, that does not mean that it passed on to the later popes.

CATHOLIC ANSWER:

Jesus told Peter and the apostles to preach the gospel to all nations. The only way they could do this was if their authority was passed on to successors.

Then they prayed, ‘You, Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which one of these two you have chosen to take the place in this apostolic ministry.’”

Acts 1:24-25

Just as Americans can trace each president back to George Washington, Catholics can trace each pope back to Peter.

Other References: Lk 22:31-32; Acts 1:20-26, 14:23; 1 Tim 3:1-7

For additional video reflections on Apostolic Succession in the Bible, and of the significance of the continuous authority established by Jesus within the living voice of the Church, please see:

All over the world, all Catholic bishops are part of a lineage that goes back to the time of the apostles. So where does the Bible talk about the beginning of this apostolic succession? Tim Staples gives the answer on Catholic Answers Live.

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catechism of the Catholic Church

For information about what the Catholic Church believes, answers to FAQs, and an encompassing resource addressing common objections and misconceptions non-Catholics and Catholics alike may have about the Church and what it teaches, we invite you to visit the online version of the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

PRAYER

Let us pray.

Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel

St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle.

Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the Devil.

May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly hosts, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan, and all the evil spirits, who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls.

Amen.