If the priests were the same as the original apostles, they would have the signs of the apsotles.
They don't.
Mark 16:20 And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.
I didn't say they were THE ORIGINAL Apostles! Whew! I said they were given the same power to forgive sins and to preach the Word so that men of all time have access to receiving God's healing touch and the power of the Word. Do you really think that God was only concerned for mankind from 33 AD until the death of the last of the 12 Apostles about 100 AD? That makes absolutely no sense. Christ's command AND power was given as gifts to the Church for ALL time.
Mark 16:20 And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.
I have read about a number of priests whom God has worked through miraculously. Padre Pio strikes me as one very powerful man whom God worked through.
Regards