This is what the Church means by saying that the priest, by virtue of the sacrament of Holy Orders, acts in persona Christi Capitis [in the person of Christ, the Head]” (“Catechism of the ...
Q. 723. How does the institution of the Sacrament of Penance show the goodness of Our Lord? A. The institution of the Sacrament of Penance shows the goodness of Our Lord, because having once saved ...