Jesus Christ never NEEDED a vicar on this earth. Bishops need vicars [general].  But Jesus?  The concept of any pope as "Vicar of Christ" is medieval.  Peter was not Jesus' vicar.   The Holy Spirit is quite capable of directing the Church.  And she did a great job when the cardinals elected Francis.  Even the infinite patience of  God couldn't stand any more the back-peddling, reactionary policies by JP II and Benedict.  

The Church is all of us----not just the magisterium or the clergy.  But that was the concept created and promulgated by John Paul II and Benedict during their pontificates.  JP II especially saw himself and the Curia as BELONGING to those governing.  The world's bishops were to assist and carry out the requirements of the pope and curia---and run their dioceses accordingly.  And the laity---were supposed to keep their noses out of Church business.  It was a complete negation of the documents of Vatican II and of the discussions and debates that took place then.