VATICAN CITY, MAY 10, 2006 (Zenit.org).- Over the centuries, bishops have succeeded the original Twelve Apostles, so that through them, "Christ comes to us," says Benedict XVI.

"(Christ) speaks to us in the word of the apostles and their successors," the Pope said in his weekly catechesis at today's general audience. "He acts in the sacraments through their hands; our gaze is enveloped in his gaze and makes us feel loved, received in God's heart."

Thanks to this ministry of the apostles' successors, "also today, as at the beginning, Christ himself is the true shepherd and guardian of our souls, whom we follow with great confidence, gratitude and joy," the Holy Father explained to the 50,000 people on hand in St. Peter's Square.

Benedict XVI was continuing with his series of reflections on the relationship between Christ and the Church. Today he focused on the theme of apostolic succession.

The Pontiff explained that Christ named apostles as his successors. These, in turn, named their own successors, so that the "word and life" which Christ had imparted would be transmitted through the centuries, the Holy Father said.

In this way, by the working of the Holy Spirit, this historical chain enables Christians of every century to be in contact with Christ, he added.

Uninterrupted

Using second-century writings of St. Irenaeus, the Pope explained the necessity of being linked to this apostolic succession.

"For Irenaeus and for the universal Church," Benedict XVI said, "the episcopal succession of the Church of Rome becomes the sign, criterion and guarantee of the uninterrupted transmission of the apostolic faith: 'It is necessary that every Church be in harmony with this Church, whose foundation is the most guaranteed.'

"According to these testimonies of the ancient Church, the apostolicity of the ecclesial communion consists in faithfulness to the teaching and practice of the apostles, through whom is guaranteed the historical and spiritual union of the Church with Christ."

As the Holy Father said good-bye to the faithful, he asked his driver to stop so that he could greet a group of handicapped children.