Published Friday, 11 June 2010
The pope made his comments, during a homily in St Peter's Square to conclude the Roman Catholic Church's "Year of the Priest" celebrations.
In it, he vowed to do everything possible to ensure that it never happens again.
Pope Benedict's pledge was similar to what he said in the past but was made in a highly symbolic mass before some 15,000 priests.
He said the year had been marred because "the sins of priests came to light, particularly the abuse of the little ones."
He added: "We too insistently beg forgiveness from God and from the persons involved, while promising to do everything possible to ensure that such abuse will never occur again."
He also promised that the Church would enact stronger controls on choosing men who enter the priesthood.
"In admitting men to priestly ministry and in their formation we will do everything we can to weigh the authenticity of their vocation and make every effort to accompany priests along their journey, so that the Lord will protect them and watch over them in troubled situations and amid life's dangers," he said.
The pope's comments come after the Ryan and Murphy reports catalogued abuse by Catholic clergy in the Republic of Ireland.