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Why did Catholics use the term 'apostolic'?

Submitted: 10/2/2010
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Question: Why did the Catholic church use the word apostolic. Why don't they use it now?

Answer: Roman Catholics believe in what they call apostolic succession. They believe that Peter the apostle was the first bishop of Rome (forerunner to the pope) and that all popes are succeeding Peter and therefore have apostolic authority. Many Catholic churches continue to use the term 'apostolic' in their names or in describing themselves.