Madeleine parents hope to meet Pope

A final decision is expected later on whether the parents of missing Madeleine McCann will meet the Pope this week.

Catholics Kate and Gerry McCann are hoping to meet the Pontiff as they embark on a series of trips around Europe.

They may attend a general audience in Rome on Wednesday.

It is hoped Pope Benedict XVI will refer to Madeleine and her parents during prayers in St Peter's Square.

The visit would be the first of a number the couple are expected to make to countries including Spain, Germany and the Netherlands.

They are keen to keep Madeleine's case in the public eye in the hope she may still be found.

It is not yet known if there will be the opportunity for the couple to spend some private time with the head of the Catholic church. They are said to believe the trip will "help them spiritually".

It is 25 days since Madeleine, now aged four, was taken from her bed as she slept in the family's holiday apartment in Praia Da Luz, Algarve.

Clarence Mitchell, the Foreign Office liaison officer for the family, is helping the McCanns plan the trip.

The couple have received two offers of private jets to use. One is thought to have been offered by multi-millionaire British tycoon Philip Green.