Final answer:
The doctrine of apostolic succession holds that one's ordination can be traced back to the original apostles, reflecting an unbroken line of spiritual authority. This belief is central to the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches, with particular emphasis on the apostle Peter's role in the Roman Catholic tradition.
Step-by-step explanation:
The doctrine of apostolic succession is the belief that one's ordination can be traced back to the original apostles. This concept signifies the unbroken transmission of spiritual authority from the apostles directly to succeeding bishops and priests through the laying on of hands in ordination. In the context of the Roman Catholic Church, the pope's role as the leader of the church and the notion of Petrine Succession is closely associated with this idea. The Petrine Succession is particularly linked to the apostle Peter, who is thought to have been given the keys to heaven by Christ Himself, a spiritual authority that Roman archbishops claim to inherit. The Eastern Orthodox Church also holds a strong belief in apostolic succession, emphasizing the continuity of the church's teaching authority from the apostles to the present.