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For the U.S. Secret Service, Pope Benedict XVI (web|news|bio) 's arrival at Andrews Air Force Base on Tuesday marks the culmination of five months of preparations.
Twenty-seven state, local and federal agencies are involved in making sure the Pope's pilgrimage to the United States is safe.
"Every security aspect that you ever have been exposed to will be deployed and, quite frankly, a few that you have never seen deployed," said Jeff Irvine of the U.S. Secret Service.
One of the Pontiff's three Popemobiles was shipped in to move Pope Benedict around the Washington. He will be protected by bulletproof glass and watched over by a Virgin Mary decal. 
But because the entire point of the Popemobile is to give crowds a glimpse of the Holy Father, some often-used security measures cannot be taken.
"Clearly that will make this a little more challenging then when we can play different shell games or moving the vehicles around or moving the protectee around," said Renee Triplett of the U.S. Secret Service.
Security concerns have also cut back on the guest list at events. Sikh representatives will not be present at an interfaith meeting of religious leaders because they wanted to wear their ceremonial daggers.
Security experts say the biggest challenge will be the mass for 46,000 people at Nationals Park.
Larry Cunningham handled security for Pope John Paul II visit to the U.S.
"By the sheer numbers and the size of this building. It is difficult to control," said Cunningham, a former Secret Service Agent.
The Coast guard will shut down a mile-and-a-half stretch of the Anacostia river. Armed boats will patrol the water.
"So if anyone poses a threat, they are in trouble. We can use force," said Lt. Lynda LeCrone, U.S. Coast Guard.
Air traffic restrictions are being tightened during the papal visit. And there will be numerous road closings, both in advance and rolling closures during unscheduled motorcades.
Administration officials say there has been no specific threat involving the Pope. But because Osama bin Laden (news |bio) mentioned him on videotape and because he is visiting two high threat cities, Washington and New York, every precaution is being taken.
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