Note: Though this was written 488 years ago, it is still true today, if not more so, as some Roman Catholic priests, openly and with impunity, advocate for same sex marriage and the recognition of “transgenderism” - even with the Pope’s blessing. At least in 1536, the clerical sodomy and other sexual abominations that were sadly common were attempted to be covered up rather than boasted about, as is the case today, with open agitation for their recognition and celebration. The Roman Catholic church permits priests to be married in almost all of its various rites except the Western (Latin) Rite. And even then, exceptions can be made, such as for married converts. The last married pope was Adrian II, who served as the Bishop of Rome in the ninth century, living in the Vatican with his wife and daughter (who were sadly murdered by political opponents). The last legitimately married Roman Catholic bishop was Salomão Barbosa Ferraz (1880-1969), a husband and father of seven who took part in Vatican II. All that said, Rome still generally prohibits married priests. The Reformers contended that forced celibacy created a climate of perversion among the clergy. Also note that per our binding confession, transgenderism is held up as an absurdity. ~ Ed.

Smalcald Articles, Article XI - Of the Marriage of Priests
by Martin Luther

1 To prohibit marriage, and to burden the divine order of priests with perpetual celibacy, they have had neither authority nor right [they have done out of malice, without any honest reason], but have acted like antichristian, tyrannical, desperate scoundrels [have performed the work of antichrist, of tyrants and the worst knaves], and have thereby caused all kinds of horrible, abominable, innumerable sins of unchastity [depraved lusts], in which they still wallow.

2 Now, as little as we or they have been given the power to make a woman out of a man or a man out of a woman, or to nullify either sex, so little have they had the power to [sunder and] separate such creatures of God, or to forbid them from living [and cohabiting] honestly in marriage with one another.

3 Therefore we are unwilling to assent to their abominable celibacy, nor will we [even] tolerate it, but we wish to have marriage free as God has instituted [and ordained] it, and we wish neither to rescind nor hinder His work; for Paul says, 1 Tim. 4:1ff , that this [prohibition of marriage] is a doctrine of devils.