Priesthood and Apostolicity. Notes on the Ministry according to Joseph Ratzinger

The present article offers some thoughts about the petrine ministry and collegiality and, therefore, about the principles of collegiality and synodality. Ratzinger points out the simultaneous vertical and horizontal dimensions -theological and sociological- of the Church. He also states that apostolicity and episcopate, as well as catholicity and the petrine ministry, are essential dimensions of the Church. In this line, word, sacraments and ministry are also essential elements of the Church. At the same time, Ratzinger relates the ministerial priesthood to the concept of sacrifice. In conclusion, he establishes the continuity between Christ, the apostles and their successors, the bishops, and argues on these grounds that the ontological- sacramental dimension of the priesthood has priority over the functional one.