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 devout Catholics, particularly Liverpool-born Mrs McCann. The meeting with Pope Benedict XVI lasted a little less than 30 seconds, during which time Mrs McCann gave him a photograph of four- year-old Madeleine. 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, saying: “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 kept her eyes closed and Mr McCann comforted his wife by slipping his arm around her waist and squeezing her shoulder. The Pope looked grave as he listened to Mrs McCann speak about her daughter and put his hand on her arm to comfort her. A Catholic priest accompanying them also hugged and comforted her. Sitting behind them was the British ambassador to the Holy See, Francis Campbell, and their liaison officer Clarence Mitchell. The couple were surrounded by nuns and priests, and when the Pope first arrived at St Peter’s Square, the McCanns stood watching among the crowd. About 25,000 pilgrims from around the world had also gathered in the square to cheer, sing and play music. Mr McCann said afterwards: “It was more personal than I could ever imagine it could have been. “His touch, words and thoughts were more tender than we could have thought.” His wife added: “It was very emotional but it was a very positive experience. 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 couple said they had mixed emotions about being at the Vatican yesterday, because it was tinged with sadness that Madeleine was still missing. Mr McCann said: “In other circumstances of course it would be the highlight for any Catholic to meet the Pope. “It is tainted with the very marked realisation that our daughter is still missing. “We’re in the middle of a race and do not know how long it is going to be. “I do not know how we will have changed, but I think it is fair to say we will never be the same again.” Madeleine’s grandparents Susan and Brian Healy watched the service at home in Mossley Hill. Mrs Healy, who will attend a vigil for her granddaughter on Sunday evening, said: “Kate and Gerry will have got a tremendous amount of strength from this. I spoke to them before the service and Kate said they had been treated like family in Rome and made to feel very welcome. “I believe faith is important, and Kate and Gerry, in fact all of us, will have a renewed faith that Madeleine will be found soon. “The Pope is such an important figure, he will help us take word of the search for Madeleine to even more people and places.” Timeline of missing Maddie >>> | 
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