Reader´s question:

Hello,

I’ve often heard that the Pope is the “Vicar of Christ” on earth. But shouldn’t he actually be the “Vicar of Peter,” since he takes on Peter’s office as Bishop of Rome?
Why does the Church call him the “Vicar of Christ” instead of simply the “Successor of Peter”?
What is the theological basis for this title?

Regards

Stefano

Answer:

Dear Stefano,

The Pope is the Vicar of Christ, not merely the vicar of Peter, because he acts with the authority of Christ—just as Peter did in his time—and not with the authority of Peter. The Pope is, rather, the successor of Peter, since he continues the ministry that Jesus Christ entrusted to him:

“You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church. [...] I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven.” (Mt 16:18–19)
“Feed my lambs [...] feed my sheep.” (Jn 21:15–17)
“But I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail; and when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” (Lk 22:31–32)

The last quotation especially highlights Peter’s unique role among the apostles: he is given the task of strengthening his brothers—that is, the other apostles—in the faith.
The Second Vatican Council describes the papal ministry in the dogmatic constitution Lumen Gentium as follows:

“And in order that the episcopate itself might be one and undivided, He placed Blessed Peter over the other apostles, and instituted in him a permanent and visible source and foundation of unity of faith and communion.(1*) And all this teaching about the institution, the perpetuity, the meaning and reason for the sacred primacy of the Roman Pontiff and of his infallible magisterium, this Sacred Council again proposes to be firmly believed by all the faithful. Continuing in that same undertaking, this Council is resolved to declare and proclaim before all men the doctrine concerning bishops, the successors of the apostles, who together with the successor of Peter, the Vicar of Christ,(2*) the visible Head of the whole Church, govern the house of the living God.” (LG 18)

And further:

“In virtue of his office, that is as Vicar of Christ and pastor of the whole Church, the Roman Pontiff has full, supreme and universal power over the Church. And he is always free to exercise this power.” (LG 22)

Jesus appointed Peter—and all his successors—not because He is absent, but to provide the Church with a visible shepherd who concretely and juridically carries out His will on earth.

For my part, I warmly encourage everyone to remain under the Vicar of Christ, the “lasting and visible source and foundation of the unity of faith,” so that we may be strengthened in faith by him.

God bless you!

Giuseppe