_Stadt Rom_, vol.viii.

pp.
569, 575.
Internally, the Papal State had learned by its misfortunes the necessity of a reform.

Sadoleto, writing in the September of that memorable year to Clement, reminds him that the sufferings of Rome have satisfied the wrath of God, and that the way was now open for an amelioration of manners and laws.[1] No force of arms could prevent the Holy City from returning to a better life, and proving that the Christian priesthood was not a mere mockery and sham.[2] In truth the Counter-Reformation may be said to date historically from 1527.
[1] It was universally recognized in Italy that the sack of Rome was a punishment inflicted by Providence upon the godless city.

Without quoting great authorities like Sadoleto or the Bishop of Fossombrone, one of whose letters gives a really awful picture of Roman profligacy (_Opere di M.G.

Guidiccioni_, Barbera, vol.i.p.