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May 30, 2007 6:14 pm US/Eastern
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Pope Blesses Parents Of Girl Abducted In Portugal
VATICAN CITY (CBS) ―
The parents of the British girl who was abducted in Portugal while the family was on vacation have now turned to Pope Benedict XVI for help.
Madeline McCann, 4, was abducted while her parents were having supper during their holiday trip on May 3. Today, her parents, Gerry and Kate McCann, met with the Pope, who blessed the grieving family. The McCanns gave the pontiff a one of the last taken photographs of Madeline -- a cell phone video image that showed her being happy and excited as the family left for the vacation.
The audience was the latest effort by the McCann's to raise awareness of the case.
"We understand many different possible scenarios here, but we must believe, do believe .. and get Madeline back and with us," said Gerry.
Since her abduction on May 3rd Madeline had her fourth birthday. Her picture has been circulated throughout Europe, a campaign that has helped her parents cope.
"I think certainly the first 72 hours really were the worst time for both of us. It's still hard at this point to get away from all the dark places," said Kate.
As important as faith is, the couple said, they drew even more strength from the outpouring of public support. "The Catholic faith has given us strength, but it has restored my faith in humanity as much as anything," said Gerry.
Added Kate: "So much goodness up there but it's really evident and it's really helped us."
And that, along with prayers, and a few brief seconds of cell phone video, are all that the McCann's have for now.
(© MMVII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)