Madeleine McCann's parents meet Pope

The parents of Madeleine McCann, abducted in Portugal three weeks ago, met Pope Benedict yesterday, at the end of his general audience in St Peter's Square. Kate and Gerry McCann sat in the front row of the 3,500 strong crowd during the ceremony. One prayer on behalf of the Pope said in English: "In a special way his blessing goes to your children and your loved ones." After the prayers the couple lined up to speak briefly with Pope Benedict on the steps of St Peter's Basilica. During the emotional meeting Kate McCann showed the Holy Father a picture of Madeleine and asked him to bless it. At a press conference afterwards, Gerry McCann said: "It was more personal than I could ever imagine it could have been. There was recognition immediately, looking at Madeleine's photograph. His touch, words and thoughts were more tender than we could have thought." Kate McCann said: "It was very emotional but it was a very positive experience really, it has been very helpful to us. He was very kind, he said he would pray for us and our family and continue to have faith for us." The McCanns said the visit was a great comfort and they hoped it would also help publicise the search for their daughter who was abducted on 3 May. For more information see: www.findmadeleine.com/ Source: VIS/findmadeleine.com