The Roman Catholic Church believes that the sacrament of Anointing of the Sick should be administered only by a priest (or bishop) for several key reasons, rooted in their understanding of the sacrament's nature, effects, and historical development:
* Sacramental Ministry and Apostolic Succession: The Catholic Church teaches that the sacraments are outward signs instituted by Christ to give grace. They believe that the power to confect (bring about) certain sacraments, including Anointing of the Sick, was entrusted by Christ to the Apostles and passed down through apostolic succession to bishops and, through them, to priests. Priests, by virtue of their ordination, act "in persona Christi Capitis" (in the person of Christ the Head) when administering sacraments.
* Spiritual Healing and Forgiveness: Anointing of the Sick is understood as a sacrament of healing, not only physically but also spiritually. It involves the forgiveness of sins (if the sick person is contrite and unable to confess) and the strengthening of the soul. The Church believes that priests are uniquely ordained to administer this spiritual healing, as they are also the ordinary ministers of Reconciliation (Confession).
* Liturgical Tradition and Symbolism: The rite of Anointing of the Sick includes specific prayers, blessings, and the anointing with consecrated oil (Oil of the Sick). These elements are carefully prescribed and imbued with theological significance. The Church believes that the valid celebration of the sacrament requires adherence to these liturgical norms, which are entrusted to the ordained clergy.
* Communal and Ecclesial Dimension: While Anointing of the Sick is administered to an individual, it is also a communal and ecclesial act. It connects the sick person to the whole Church, offering them the support and prayers of the community. The priest, as the representative of the Church, serves as a visible sign of this connection and solidarity.
* Canonical Law: Canon Law (the body of laws governing the Catholic Church) specifies that priests (and bishops) are the only ministers who can validly administer the sacrament of Anointing of the Sick (Canon 1003).
In summary, the Catholic Church's restriction of the Anointing of the Sick to priests stems from its theological understanding of the sacrament as a powerful means of spiritual and physical healing, its belief in apostolic succession, and its commitment to the liturgical tradition surrounding the sacrament.