WARSAW, Poland (AP) — A spokesman says Polish Army troops will help secure Pope Francis' meeting in July with thousands of youths from around the world in southern Poland.

Some officials have suggested that the vast meadows wedged between a road and a river near the southern city of Krakow can't guarantee the security of the July 31 meeting, so Polish state and church authorities have taken steps to ensure its safety.

Lt. Col. Marek Pietrzak of the Army's General Command said Thursday that four temporary bridges are being built to ease movement in and out of the 240- hectare (600-acre) site, where church authorities are expecting up to 2.5 million people.

The army will also provide tents for some participants, a field hospital and medical care.