Apostolic Succession: Spiritual & Historical Tie to Jesus Christ

VATICAN CITY, MAY 10, 2006 (VIS) - Apostolic succession was the subject of Benedict XVI's catechesis at this morning's general audience, held in St. Peter's Square in the presence of 50,000 people.

"The Church, which came into being at Jesus' will and around Him, continues her journey through history," said the Pope. "The Twelve ... involved others in the functions with which they themselves were entrusted, so that those others could continue the ministry. ... Just as at the beginning of the apostolic condition there is a call and an invitation from the Risen One, so the call and invitation of others, ... from those who are already within the apostolic ministry, will be the way by which the ministry of the 'episcope' is passed on."

"In this way," the Holy Father continued, "the succession of the episcopal function is ... a guarantee of the endurance of apostolic tradition...