The Mormon practice of baptizing the dead by proxy is again in the news, with perennial critic Helen Radkey reprising her role as self-appointed watchdog. Apparently some overeager church members have given certain celebrated celibates imaginary wives.
Pope Pius XII was baptized three times and also "sealed" in eternal marriage to a fictional Mrs Eugenio Pacelli. Saint Ignatius Loyola, founder of the Jesuit order of priests, was also "sealed" to a bogus wife. Catholic clergy do not marry. [Link]
