Quito, July 2 (teleSUR-RHC)-- Preparations are underway and expectations are high for the visit of Pope Francis to Ecuador from July 5th to the 8th. This is the first papal visit since Pope John Paul II came to the country thirty years ago, and people from across the country, as well as from neighboring Colombia and Peru, will be converging on Quito and Guayaquil.

"We are very content and happy, because the Pope is coming to our country, and will give us many blessings," said Lilian Villota, a citizen who was observing where Pope Francis will be giving Mass on Tuesday in Quito's Bicentario Park.

Haiti President Michel Martelly and his Honduran counterpart Juan Orlando Hernandez will also arrive to Quito for the visit of Pope Francis. It is expected that more than one million people will attend papal activities in both Quito and in Guayaquil.

“The armed forces will grant security for the Pope and his committee, as well as for the presidents

who will be accompanying us in this event,” said Security Minister Cesar Navas. “The national police will be taking care of the security of citizens. And if in any case the site needs to be urgently evacuated, the Secretary of Risk Management will act in coordination with all related institutions."

Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa and ministers of his cabinet were present for security simulations, which included scenarios such as medical emergencies, and how police will react in case violence breaks out in the crowds.