Apostolic succession is the Catholic belief that, with consecration down the generations, priests today are in some way connected to the apostles. In a spiritual passing of the baton, priests become imbued with a historical holiness. Today, however, a poisonous practice is tracing its way back to the top of the Catholic Church in reverse. Modern cases of protecting and sheltering pederasts within the Church, initially believed to be on the peripheries of the institution, is continually being found closer to the top of the Church. Today it has reached the top in the figure of Pope Francis.
http://www.inquirelive.co.uk/opinion/pope-franciss-defense-of-child-rapists/
http://www.inquirelive.co.uk/opinion/pope-franciss-defense-of-child-rapists/
