Tears as Madeleine parents see Pope

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The parents of missing Madeleine McCann shed tears during an emotional trip to the Vatican to meet the Pope.

Gerry and Kate McCann were given the honour of meeting the Pontiff during a General Audience at the Vatican.

The couple are very devout Catholics - particularly Mrs McCann - and they believe the visit will be spiritually uplifting.

The meeting with Pope Benedict XVI lasted a little less than 30 seconds, during which time Mrs McCann gave a photograph of her daughter to him.

She spoke emphatically to the Holy Father while her husband bowed and kissed his hand.

The couple had struggled to control their emotions throughout the ceremony, which lasted more than an hour-and-a-half.

At one point, an English-speaking priest issued a prayer on behalf of the Pope: "In a special way his blessing goes to your children and your loved ones."

His words proved too much for the couple, who broke down and wiped back the tears with their heads bowed.

For much of the general audience, Mrs McCann, the now standard green and yellow ribbons in her hair fluttering in the breeze, kept her eyes closed.

Madeleine was snatched from her bed in the Algarve resort of Praia da Luz 27 days ago.

Courtesy from AOL