Pastores Dabo Vobis (I will you give Sherperds) was written in 1992. The opening line comes as a promise that the Lord will never leave his Church without priests to guide them.

This extremely comprehensive document investigates the challenges facing the priesthood in the third millenium. From his own vast pastoral experience John Paul II gives guidance on the nature and the mission of the priesthood and how this is supported and informed by the priest's own spiritual life.

Particular attention is given to the formation of priests both before and after ordination.