The parents of the four-year-old British girl who was abducted from a Portuguese holiday resort three weeks ago are set to visit the Pope to discuss the disappearance of their daughter.

Madeleine McCann's parents, Kate and Gerry McCann, both Catholics, are expected to attend a general audience at the Vatican on Wednesday.

Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor is helping to arrange their visit.

A spokesperson for Cardinal Murphy-O'Connor said: "The cardinal is conscious of the prayers of the entire Catholic community in this country for the McCann family at this distressing time.

"Having spoken to Dr Gerry McCann, the cardinal is facilitating the presence of the McCanns at an audience with the Holy Father as soon as is feasible.

"The cardinal also assured Dr McCann of his prayers for the safe release of Madeleine and for the rest of the family."

Although the McCanns have spent a devastating three weeks since the disappearance of their daughter, they have testified that their faith in God has kept them going.

They previously paid a visit to the famous Portuguese Marian shrine of Fatima, in the hope that an answer to their prayers would soon be coming.

Mrs McCann has reportedly been a devout Christian for a long time, and she has found great strength in her faith over the past three weeks. Mr McCann is said to have renewed his faith during the tragedy.

Earlier this month, around 300,000 of Portugal's Catholics united at the holy shrine, many praying for Madeleine on what was her fourth birthday weekend.