The Vicar of Christ, or Vicarius Christi, is a term, in keeping with the Papacy, that generally refers to the earthly representative of God or Christ; a most specific term (first appearing in the 5th century) used in reference to the Bishop of Rome (also known as the Pope). This author, while setting the historical stage, believes that all can aspire to becoming a Vicar of Christ. Clearly, then, this can be viewed as the end goal for each of us; one based on both enlightenment and transcendence.