CCC 1461 Since Christ entrusted to his apostles the ministry of reconciliation,1 bishops who are their successors, and priests, the bishops’ collaborators, continue to exercise this ministry. Indeed bishops and priests, by virtue of the sacrament of Holy Orders, have the power to forgive all sins “in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”
1 Cf. In 20:23; 2 Cor 5:18.