In a remarkably personal letter, Pope Benedict XVI encouraged men around the world studying for the priesthood not to let their vocation be shaken by the scandal of sex-abuser priests.

The letter was released today. The pope says:

Recently we have seen with great dismay that some priests disfigured their ministry by sexually abusing children and young people. Instead of guiding people to greater human maturity and setting them an example, their abusive behaviour caused great damage for which we feel profound shame and regret. As a result of all this, many people, perhaps even some of you, might ask whether it is good to become a priest; whether the choice of celibacy makes any sense as a truly human way of life. Yet even the most reprehensible abuse cannot discredit the priestly mission, which remains great and pure. Thank God, all of us know exemplary priests, men shaped by their faith, who bear witness that one can attain to an authentic, pure and mature humanity in this state and specifically in the life of celibacy. Admittedly, what has happened should make us all the more watchful and attentive, precisely in order to examine ourselves earnestly, before God, as we make our way towards priesthood, so as to understand whether this is his will for me. It is the responsibility of your confessor and your superiors to accompany you and help you along this path of discernment. It is an essential part of your journey to practise the fundamental human virtues, with your gaze fixed on the God who has revealed himself in Christ, and to let yourselves be purified by him ever anew.

Also in the letter, the pope urges seminarians to focus on their own relationship with God, be devoted to the Mass and celebration of the Sacrament of Penance, study hard, and use their time living in community to develop an appreciation for the diversity in unity in the Church.

Read the entire thing in English here, on the Vatican's website.