The parents of Madeleine McCann are expected to meet Pope Benedict XVI this week at the start of a series of Europe-wide visits to promote the search for their daughter.

The Pope has been following the reports of Madeleine’s disappearance and about how Kate and Gerry McCann have drawn on their Catholic faith since the abduction.

The couple have said that the visit to the Vatican, scheduled for Wednesday, would help them spiritually. It is hoped that the Pope will refer to Madeleine and her parents during prayers in St Peter’s Square.

Mr and Mrs McCann will also visit Madrid and Seville before moving on to Berlin and Amsterdam. The cities have been selected because they are in countries that have large numbers of tourists. The McCanns hope to meet David Beckham in Madrid, to thank him for helping to promote the appeal to find their daughter.

They are also thought to be considering visiting Morocco, after reports that a girl matching Madeleine’s description had been seen in Marrakech, and they have been invited to Greece and the United States.

Mr and Mrs McCann hope that, in each country they visit, they can meet the government minister in charge of child welfare and a local charity involved in protecting children. They plan to give an interview to each state broadcaster.

Mr McCann said: “The most important aspect of the campaign is making sure that Madeleine’s profile and image is as well known as possible. We don’t know where she is. I hope she is still in Portugal because if that’s the case the scope of the investigation means that it should just be a matter of time before they find her.”

The couple have been offered the use of a private jet by Sir Philip Green, the billionaire owner of BHS and Topshop.

A child psychologist will visit the family this week to help to explain to the twins what has happened to Madeleine.

The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall yesterday expressed their “deep concern” and sympathy.

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