Pope Francis to get heavy security in Mexico

Pope Francis is expected to draw 2.3 million spectators at his main event on the outskirts of Mexico City in February.

Government officials in the State of Mexico said 10,000 state police officers will be assigned to keep the peace at a 5.5.-mile (8.8 kilometer) motorcade and rally on Feb. 14.

Mexico State Gov. Eruviel Ávila said late Wednesday that medical and aid facilities will be set up for the event, scheduled to take place in the city of Ecatepec.

Ecatepec is located just north of Mexico City. Bleachers will put along a main boulevard for the motorcade; about 300,000 are expected to attend the mass.

Alberto Gasbarri, organizer of the Pope's trips and manager of the Vatican radio channel, is in Mexico until January 9 to visit Mexico City, Ecatepec and Morelia, some of the places included in the pontiff's tour. The Pope will begin the visit in Mexico City on Feb. 12 and will also go to Chiapas and Chihuahua.