Pope Benedict has met with the parents of the four-year-old British girl who disappeared from a tourist resort in Portugal in early May.
The pope Wednesday spoke to Gerry and Kate McCann following his weekly audience in St. Peter's Square.
The pontiff blessed a photograph of their daughter, Madeleine, who disappeared when the parents left her and two siblings in a resort hotel while they went to dinner.
Kate McCann said the pope told her he would continue to pray for Madeleine's safe return. The couple are devout Catholics, but Gerry McCann said he had conflicting emotions about meeting the pope because of the circumstances.
The McCann's are also planning to travel to Spain and Germany in their continued campaign to publicize their daughter's disappearance.
A public outcry in Britain and Portugal at the apparent abduction of young Madeleine has prompted politicians and celebrities to offer their support.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP and AP.
