A core theory of Catholicism. Only the original disciples of Christ, it is argued, held a legitimate claim to religious authority, because only they witnessed Christ’s resurrection. This divine authority was handed down through St. Peter to all the popes, bishops and priests since the ascension of Christ. Therefore, according to this theory, a person can only be saved through obedience to the hierarchy of the Catholic Church.
Needless to say, much of the Church’s characteristic intolerance, particularly against unorthodox branches of Christianity, was justified by apostolic succession. It was one of the Church’s primary weapons against the Gnostics and the Cathars.