# Apostolic Succession ## Catechism of the Catholic Church The handing on of apostolic preaching and authority from the Apostles to their successors the bishops through the laying on of hands, as a permanent office in the Church ([[1.1.2.2.pk|ccc-77]], [[1.2.3.9.p29|ccc-861]]). ## Vatican II - apostolic succession — "the Apostles left bishops as their successors, 'handing over' to them 'the authority to teach'" — [[dei-verbum#^dv-7|DV ¶7–8]] - apostolic succession (in the East) — "possess true sacraments, above all by apostolic succession, the priesthood and the Eucharist" — [[unitatis-redintegratio#^ur-15|UR ¶15]]