This papal triumph removing the wholesome check which had hitherto restrained and softened the violence of episcopal ambition, left the claims of rival candidates for the vicarship of Christ to be disputed by the anathemas of the clergy and the frenzy of the mob.
"Monks, Popes, and their Political Intrigues"
John Alberger
The aspirants to the dignity of the vicarship of Christ endeavored, in general, to obtain its holy honors by the employment of artifice and intrigue.
"Monks, Popes, and their Political Intrigues"
John Alberger
It may well be that in those last days that sinful, worldly old man bethought him of the true scope and meaning of Christ's vicarship, which he had so wantonly abused and dishonoured, and considered that to that Judge before whom he was summoned to appear the sins of his predecessors would be no justification or mitigation of his own.
"The Life of Cesare Borgia"
Raphael Sabatini