The National Republican Guard (GNR) is gearing up for the “Peregrinação Segura 2025” operation at the Sanctuary of Fátima, a press conference in Fátima disclosed. According to Lieutenant Colonel Carlos Canatário, GNR spokesperson, the operation will involve around 200 military personnel daily alongside 40 from the “G4 POLARIS” initiative.
This initiative, a collaboration among military police forces from Portugal, Spain, France, and Italy, offers newly-trained members an opportunity to complement their education through participation in the GNR’s operation in Fátima.
The “Peregrinação Segura 2025” operation commenced on the 3rd and will conclude on Tuesday, the 13th.
According to Canatário, the operation’s first phase, which lasts until Sunday, focuses on “the safety of the pilgrimage journey” for thousands of pilgrims traveling on foot to Fátima, often along routes lacking shoulders.
The operation’s second phase, on Monday and Tuesday, aims to “ensure the safety of all visitors to Fátima and participants in religious celebrations.”
The GNR spokesperson emphasized that the police presence is suitably equipped, encompassing a wide range of police services designed to welcome pilgrims, maintain public order and peace, manage road traffic flow on access routes, and ensure overall event safety.
The security measures include traffic management, intervention units, community policing, criminal investigation, a video surveillance system, explosive device disposal, canine units, public order maintenance—including anti-drone capabilities—mounted patrols, and ‘Tourist Support Patrol’ units.
Canatário assured a focus on preventive action, stating, “Our primary goal is to prevent problems from arising. We are, however, prepared to respond to any situation that might compromise event safety.” Patrols, including those on horseback, will be stationed near the sanctuary grounds to assist and support pilgrims and to prevent or detect criminal activities, such as vehicle break-ins, pickpocketing, and potential scams.
“We will have surveillance drones, with anti-drone capabilities available to detect and deactivate unauthorized drones,” he noted, highlighting an airspace restriction over the sanctuary during the pilgrimage.
Additionally, officers from Spain and France (the Guardia Civil and Gendarmerie, respectively) will also be part of the operation to “provide closer support to pilgrims from these countries,” Canatário added.
Colonel Duarte da Graça, commander of the Santarém Territorial Command and the operation’s leader, stated that the GNR’s security apparatus is “ready to welcome everyone who needs to come,” with 15 contingency plans prepared for implementation.
Major João Moderno, commander of the Tomar Territorial Detachment, revealed that the GNR will have a mobile post next to the Basilica of the Holy Trinity and urged the public to follow the GNR’s social media for updates, such as the real-time availability of parking spaces in Fátima.
The pilgrimage set for May 12th and 13th will be led by Brazilian Cardinal Jaime Spengler.
Created cardinal by Pope Francis, Jaime Spengler participated in the conclave that recently elected the American Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as a leader of the Catholic Church.
