The parents of missing Madeleine McCann have been formally invited to the Vatican to meet the Pope, a family spokesman said.
Kate and Gerry McCann, whose daughter was abducted 25 days ago, will be part of a general audience with the Pontiff on Wednesday morning.
They said they were "delighted" by the decision.
Their spokesman, Clarence Mitchell, said: "This afternoon we have received confirmation that Gerry and Kate McCann will be able to attend the general audience with the Holy Father this Wednesday and they will be personally greeted at the end of the audience.
"The family members are delighted that this important spiritual support has been afforded to them."
The couple will have a few moments to talk to Pope Benedict XVI and Mrs McCann wants to give him a photograph of her daughter. The head of the Catholic church is understood to be happy to accept such a gift.
Mr and Mrs McCann, both 38, will travel to Rome on Tuesday afternoon to be in place for the 10.30am meeting.
They are expected to use a private jet offered by retail tycoon Philip Green for the overnight trip.
After their meeting, they will hold a news conference for the international media to keep the spotlight on Madeleine's abduction.
It is now 25 days since the four-year-old was snatched in Praia da Luz and there is no sign of police getting any closer to finding her.
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