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THE Pope will today meet Kate and Gerry McCann, the parents of missing
four-year-old Madeleine.
The couple flew from the Algarve
to Rome last
night in Sir Phillip Green's 12-seater private jet. It was the first time the
couple have left Portugal
together since their daughter was abducted at Praia da Luz on 3 May.
They decided to leave their two-year-old twins Sean and Amelie in Portugal
because they were too young to make the journey and would be unsettled by being
in a strange place.
They are being looked after by Gerry's sister Trish Cameron and her husband
Sandy.
Mr McCann said they were feeling nervous about meeting the Pontiff because it
was such a huge opportunity to raise the profile of their daughter's case.
"Meeting the Pope is so potentially hugely important to what we are trying
to achieve as a family.
"We never for one moment thought we would get such publicity, but it means
we can get our message across."
The couple said they hoped to spend a few moments speaking to Pope Benedict XVI
when they meet him at the General Audience in the morning.
"This is a huge privilege and absolutely brilliant that we are having the
opportunity even to be in the audience.
"If he did speak to us, then we would be delighted," he said.
Mrs McCann, added: "I think it will really help us."
As they stepped off the plane they were greeted by the British Ambassador to
the Holy See, Francis Campbell, and the Italian media.
Meanwhile Michael Hamilton, the father of missing Scottish schoolgirl Vicky
Hamilton who vanished in 1991, is to contact the McCann's to offer his support.
The 56-year-old, says he feels empathy with the family and will urge them to
continue living in hope. |
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NEWS MAY 2007 |
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