ISB ~ John 20 v23

forgive the sins:Jesus’ ministry of mercy and reconciliation will continue through the apostles (2 Cor 5:18-20; Jas 5:14-15). The power to “forgive and retain” sins in the name of Jesus is elsewhere described as the authority to “bind and loose” (Mt 16:19; 18:18; CCC 553, 730).

• The Council of Trent connects this episode with the institution of the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Sess. 14, chap. 1), by which Christ distributes divine forgiveness to the world through the successors of the apostles (bishops) and their assistants in the presbyterate (priests) (CCC 976, 1441, 1461).