After a series of recent terrorist attacks in France, security is being stepped up at Lourdes for the feast of the Assumption.
The prefect of the Pyrénées region, Beatrice Lagarde, says the authorities even considered cancelling the Mass and procession next Monday, which is normally attended by 25,000 people.
Instead, most entrances will be closed, and attendees will have to pass through security gates, where their bags will be checked. Several events have been adapted: the procession will start within the site, rather than in the town as usual.
