Hajduk Players Received Twice by Pope John Paul II, a Rare Honor Shared Only With Bayern Munich

HNK Hajduk holds a unique place in football history, having been received twice by Pope John Paul II during his pontificate. This honor is shared only with one other club worldwide: Bayern Munich. These encounters represent a significant moment for the Croatian club, highlighting a special connection with the revered Polish Pope.

The first audience took place in January 1995, when Hajduk players and management met the Pope during his retreat in Pineto, Italy. The second meeting occurred in November 2003, just before the team's UEFA Cup match against AS Roma. These events underscore the exceptional regard in which Hajduk was held.

During these papal audiences, Hajduk representatives presented Pope John Paul II with gifts, including a bas-relief by Split artist Kažimir Hrasta and a painting of Saint Domnius. The Pope, who himself was a goalkeeper in his youth in Poland, showed particular interest in the team. In a notable moment, he personally asked, "Who is the goalkeeper here?" upon being introduced to the players, with the late Tonči Gabrić being pointed out.

These meetings were not just ceremonial; they were deeply impactful for the club. The first encounter, in particular, was immortalized in a photograph that still hangs in Hajduk's club halls. The club was in strong form in 1995, reaching the Champions League quarterfinals and winning the Croatian championship. The second meeting in 2003 saw the then-Hajduk president, Branko Grgić, present the Pope with a triptych by Josip Botteri Dini depicting the life of Jesus.