The Patrick Madrid Show What Does it Mean that the Pope is the "Vicar of Christ?" (Special Podcast Highlight)
Ever heard the title "Vicar of Christ" tossed around and wondered, wait... what does that actually mean?
Vicar - Why It’s a Big Deal)
Patrick explains the Latin word "Vicarius." It basically means “second in command” or “chief steward.” Think: the right-hand man or the chief of staff... someone who acts with the authority of the king when the king’s not present.
So, when Catholics say the Pope is the Vicar of Christ, they’re not saying he replaces Jesus. They're saying he represents Jesus on Earth as the one appointed to shepherd the Church in Christ’s name.
From Simon to Peter
Then we jump to the moment in Matthew 16. Jesus asks, “Who do you say I am?” and Simon (not known for being shy) replies, “You are the Christ!” Jesus blesses him, gives him a new name: “Peter” (from the Aramaic Cephas, meaning “rock”), and tells him:
"I give you the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven. What you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven..."
Translation: Peter is in charge. Not as a mere administrator, but as the earthly steward of Christ’s kingdom. Patrick makes it crystal clear: This is where the Vicar of Christ idea begins.
Isaiah 22: Old Testament Prime Minister
Patrick connects Matthew 16 to Isaiah 22, where a guy named Eliakim is appointed as the royal steward in the Davidic Kingdom. He's given a robe, a sash, and the keys of the house of David. Sound familiar?
The verse literally says:
"He shall open, and none shall shut; he shall shut, and none shall open."
So, Peter’s role is like Eliakim’s: the one with real authority, not just among equals, but over the whole household.
Christ Is the Head. The Pope Is His Vicar
Christ is always the true head of the Church: ontologically and spiritually. But on Earth, He entrusted Peter (and his successors, the popes) to lead, guide, and protect the flock.
So, when we say, “Vicar of Christ,” we’re affirming:
-Biblical roots (Matthew 16 & Isaiah 22)
-Historical continuity (Peter and beyond)
-Spiritual authority (rooted in Jesus Himself)
Bonus: Pope Fiction
Patrick gives a plug for his book, Pope Fiction, which talks about this exact topic and busts myths left and right. (Worth a read if you're tired of TikTok theology.)