Church security

One of Mexico's most important religious festivals will require special security measures this year.

Alejandro Flores, the Father of the Sancutary of San Juan Diego in Mexico City, said he expects more than 30,000 pilgrims to visit the Sanctuary over the weekend, according to El Universal.

The festival of San Juan Diego and the Virgin of Guadalupe, which takes place between Dec. 9 and 12, annually draws thousands of visitors to the Sanctuary from all parts of Mexico, Central and South America, and even parts of Africa.

Officials said the city is ready to handle the influx of visitors, but extra security measures will be put into effect in order to ensure the safety of the pilgrims.