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Hi, Justin —
Thanks for the question.
This sort of question deals with
two issues:
- Does the bishop have an ability to
consecrate a priest to a bishop?
<The answer to that is, Yes>, and
- Is he allowed to do so under
normal circumstances?
<The answer is, No, he is not.>
It's hard to think of circumstances
where a bishop could do this without
facing discipline, but
I suppose if you could envision a
scenario where he were the last living
bishop, then he could pass on Apostolic
Succession to another.
If a bishop were to consecrate or
elevate a priest to a bishop, the
man would then be a bishop. That's
just a sacramental fact. It doesn't
mean that the Church would allow
him to practice as such and give
him an assignment. In fact, they
would probably both be disciplined,
or more than likely excommunicated,
for serious disobedience.
John
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