Pope blesses picture of Maddie

Madeleine's mother Kate appeared to be holding back tears as she and her husband Gerry, both Catholics, met the Pope in St Peter's Square.

"He said he would pray for us and our family and for Madeleine's safe return," Mrs McCann said.

During their brief meeting, Mrs McCann held up a photograph of Madeleine. The Pope touched it gently, blessed it by making the sign of the cross and then spoke words of comfort.

"It was very emotional but also a positive experience... that photograph will stay with me," she said.

The couple met the Pope when he walked over to a section reserved for special guests at the outdoor audience attended by tens of thousands of people.

Mr McCann, who kissed the Pope's hand, said later he and his wife were touched and encouraged by the Pope's gestures.

"It was more personal than anything I could have imagined it to be," he said.

"There was recognition immediately, looking at Madeleine's photograph, and his touch and thoughts and words were more tender than we could have thought and that will help sustain us during this most difficult time."

Mrs McCann was carrying a pink fluffy toy cat that Madeleine had named "cuddle cat" and without whom she could not fall asleep.

In his public comments during the audience, the Pope made no reference to Madeleine, who disappeared on May 3.

The McCanns said before the audience that they had "mixed emotions" about being in the Vatican.

"Under normal circumstances it would be one of the most exciting things we could do in our own lifetime, but very much on our minds is the fact that we're here without Madeleine," Mr McCann said.

Madeleine was snatched in the evening from a holiday apartment as her parents ate at a restaurant about 100m away, in sight of the apartment.

The world has been gripped by the tragedy and photographs of the blonde-haired child have rarely been off the front pages of newspapers since her abduction.

"One evil act seems to be generating so much good... and has restored my faith in humanity," Madeleine's father said.

He appealed to holidaymakers travelling in Europe to post pictures of his daughter in public places in the hope someone might have information that could lead to her safe return.