GNR mobilizes 700 soldiers to secure the pilgrimage to Fatima.

The National Republican Guard (GNR) will deploy about 700 soldiers from May 12 to 14 in the operation to secure the International Pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of Fatima, Lieutenant Colonel Pedro Graça, commander of the Santarém Territorial Command, said.

These soldiers, from different units and with different skills, will have the primary task of securing the Sanctuary and the pilgrims, stressed Major Mafalda Almeida, spokesman for the GNR, adding that “this pilgrimage is expected to be the event with the largest number of people in Portugal before the World Day.” youth”, which takes place in August and during which the visit of the Pope to Fatima is expected.

Pedro Graça, for his part, estimated that the crowd of pilgrims expected in Fatima for this year’s first major pilgrimage to Cova da Iria could be between 250,000 and 300,000, figures that were confirmed before the pandemic.

With foot and mounted patrols, a mobile outpost to assist pilgrims and the use of drones, as well as film and explosives disposal teams at the ready, and out-of-character elements, GNR will take advantage of the pilgrimage to “test and tune the device” to meet the needs that will arise in August during the second presence of Pope Francis in the Sanctuary.

Collaborating with the GNR armed forces will be a multidisciplinary command of the Spanish Civil Guard, continuing a practice that has been common for several years.

At a press conference held this Thursday, late in the morning, in Fatima, GNR also announced that “more parking bags are being prepared” for August in conjunction with the Sanctuary of Fatima, taking into account that the two parks next to the Paulo VI Pastoral Center will not be able to accept cars in this alteration, as Aldeia Jovem will be installed there, for WYD participants.

Asked about the possible increase in security risks, beyond the usual vehicle thefts, pickpockets or fraud, the GNR spokeswoman was adamant: “the more people, the more risks,” although “this is not expected.” in Fatima “some unusual situation”.

But “we always prepare for the worst,” the major said.

Regarding August, Mafalda Almeida stressed that WYD in Fatima will not be just a visit by the Pope, as “many people will want to visit the Sanctuary” on the days he is in Portugal, and immediately after WYD there will be a 12-day pilgrimage and on August 13, therefore, the operation would last from the period before Francisco’s visit to Cova da Iria until the end of the pilgrimage ceremonies.

The ceremonies marking the 106th anniversary of the apparition in Cova da Iria will be presided over by Cardinal Pietro Parolina, Secretary of State of the Vatican.

Parolin’s presence at Fatima is similar to that of October 2016, when he presided over the ceremonies of this year’s last anniversary pilgrimage to the sanctuary, a few months before the visit of Pope Francis, who in May 2017 canonized Francisco’s seers in Cova da Iria and Jacinta Martu.

This time, the Secretary of State of the Vatican will be in Fatima ahead of the expected visit of Pope Francis to Cova da Iria as part of World Youth Day.

The pilgrimage, whose theme is related to the theme proposed by Pope Francis for WYD – “Mary got up and left in a hurry” – follows the usual program, starting on the 12th, on Friday at 21:30, with a rose garden, followed by a procession of candles and the celebration of the Word on the altar of the fence.