Final answer:
Catholic bishops do trace their authority to the Apostles, tied to the concept of apostolic succession and the doctrinal belief in Petrine Succession. The historic role of bishops included overseeing church activities and participating in ecumenical councils, underpinning a continuous ecclesiastical authority within the Catholic church.
Step-by-step explanation:
Catholic bishops today do trace their authority directly to the Apostles through the historical concept of apostolic succession. The Petrine Succession is a particularly important doctrinal aspect, as the pope, originally the Archbishop of Rome, claims a direct line to the Apostle Peter, who is believed to have been given authority by Jesus Christ himself. This belief is central to the Roman Catholic Church's structure and is understood to have been solidified by the mid-fifth century CE, as popes claimed total authority over other bishops, with some bishops in Western Europe looking to Rome for guidance.
The role of bishops in early Christianity was significant in both religious and civic spheres, as they oversaw church activities within their dioceses and actively supported charities for the needy. Their influence extended to participation in ecumenical councils, such as the Council of Nicaea in 325, which addressed crucial doctrinal debates. This framework of ecclesiastical authority has been maintained through the centuries, establishing a chain of spiritual leadership that links current bishops to the foundations of the church.