Skip to main contentAccessibility feedback

Dear Catholic.com visitor: To continue providing the top Catholic resources you have come to depend on, we need your help. If you find catholic.com a useful tool, please take a moment to support the website with your donation today.

Dear Catholic.com visitor: To continue providing the top Catholic resources you have come to depend on, we need your help. If you find catholic.com a useful tool, please take a moment to support the website with your donation today.

Is the priest “another Christ” when he says Holy Mass, hears confessions, etc.?

Question:

Is the priest "another Christ" when he says Holy Mass, hears confessions, etc.?

Answer:

The Church teaches that the priest ministers in persona Christi, in the person of Christ. In speaking to his disciples, Jesus said, “He who hears you hears me, and he who rejects you rejects me” (Lk 10:16). “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained” (Jn 20:22–23).

Did you like this content? Please help keep us ad-free
Enjoying this content?  Please support our mission!Donatewww.catholic.com/support-us