Pilgrims from Extremadura are preparing to travel to Fátima for the Pope's visit

Many have already set off on the journey, although the vast majority of the pilgrims from Extremadura will do so in the next few hours due to their close proximity. The trips have been organised by parishes, travel agencies or individually, and will cross the Caya border, between Badajoz and Elvas, where controls have been reinforced.

12.05.2017 Redacción Extremadura

1 min.

Pope Francisco arrives in Fátima to celebrate the centennial of the Virgin appearing before the children Francisco, Jacinta and Lucía, and to canonise the first two, who died at a young age. Bergoglio will preside over the mass to canonise the young shepherds and will say a few words to the sick.

Tens of thousands of people are expected although the square in front of the shrine has a capacity of just 400,000.