In theses 48–52 Luther takes the side of the pope, saying that if the pope knew what was being preached in his name he would rather St. Peter's Basilica be burned down than "built up with the skin, flesh, and bones of his sheep."
Pada tesis 48–52, Luther menempatkan dirinya di sisi paus, mengatakan bahwa jika paus mengetahui apa yang sedang dikhotbahkan atas namanya maka ia akan lebih suka Basilika Santo Petrus terbakar daripada "terbangun dengan kulit, daging, dan tulang-tulang dombanya".