Are Catholic Bishops the successors of the Apostles alone or the Elders too?

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The answer you seek is here: Bishops Are Successors of the Apostles | General Audience of Pope St. John Paul II [the Great], 8 July 1992.


  • "Presbyters" (= elders cf. Priest | New Advent), first subordinate rank of the hierarchy, were among the "various helpers" who assisted the Apostles in their ministry.
  • From the article, that the Bishops are the successors to the Apostles, is in this sentence, quoting the Second Vatican Council:

The Council says: "Thus, as St. Irenaeus testifies, through those who were appointed bishops by the apostles, and through their successors down in our own time, the apostolic tradition is manifested and preserved 1 " (LG 20).

1. St. Irenaeus, Adv. Haer., III, 3, 1; cf. Tertullian, De Praescr., 20, 4-8: PL 2, 32; CC 1, 202

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