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Pilgrims were given one last chance to pay their respects to Pope John Paul II (search) on Thursday as police in Rome reopened the line to St. Peter's Basilica (search), where the pope was lying in state.

Authorities had closed the line Wednesday night in preparation for Friday's funeral, which was going to take place amid heightened security because international leaders from more than 100 countries will be in attendance.

The Vatican estimates that over 2 million mourners have viewed the pope's body.

Stay with FOX News for complete live coverage as the Catholic Church lays John Paul II to rest.

Our special funeral coverage begins Friday at 3 a.m. ET.