Odd, isn't it? Married Protestants can be Catholic priests if they convert, but lifelong Catholic men who are married cannot be priests.
Makes no sense.
Sinkspur,
You wrote: "Odd, isn't it? Married Protestants can be Catholic priests if they convert, but lifelong Catholic men who are married cannot be priests. Makes no sense."
Actually it makes perfect sense. Those outside the Church did not realize their vocation until later in life after joining the church. Also, it helps heal the schisms of the 16th century. It simply has nothing to do with men who were already in the church, already Catholic, already knew they had a vocation and already took a vow of celibacy.
What about priests who leave the church to get married? Can they be ordained?