Portugal Interior Minister, Jose Luis Carneiro, has confirmed that the country has reinstated random border security checks on Saturday, a step towards welcoming the head of Catholic Church, Pope Francis along with a million young people for World Youth Day.

The “exceptional” measure has been implemented “to prevent possible threats to public order and internal security”, which will last until August 7, according to the minister.

The identity checks at the borders will be “random and not systematic”, Carneiro said, adding that there would be coordination with the Spanish, French, and Italian authorities.

Access24 reports that organizers say Portugal is expecting about a million pilgrims from around the world, to attend the gathering of young Catholics from August 1 to 6.

Francis, 86, has been recovering from surgery in early June but has confirmed his attendance.

The five-day visit by the head of the Catholic Church will be marked by a full agenda with around 20 meetings and 11 speeches.