I'd like to give you a better answer, but I think a little reasoning could point in the right direction. We know that Christ established a Church, and that he promised the "gates of hell would not prevail against it". That is to say, he meant the Church to endure until his return at the Second Coming. The Apostles, eventually, would die, or more accurately "fall asleep in the Lord". Who would take their place? Who would assume the role of leaders of the Church until Christ's return? It seems unlikely that Christ's intent was that the charism of Apostle die out, especially as we have the evidence of the election of Matthias to replace the deceased Judas. The Eleven, and St. Peter in particular since he called for the election, apparently felt that there should be a succession to keep that charism alive. Who, then, would be the most likely candidates to assume the Apostolic charism, if not the bishops, since they are the highest rank of clergy cited in the New Testament?
Good night and I hope you have a wonderful mass!!
Thanks very much. Good night & God bless!
I guess my reasoning is a bit different but i guess that is why I am not Catholic. Thanks for the insight and the best to you!