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

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).

Answered by: Catholic Answers Staff