The Atlanta Hawks sent a special gift to Pope Francis: an MLK jersey that was blessed by the pontiff on Martin Luther King Jr's 92nd birthday Friday.
The Vatican delivery followed Francis' meeting in November with a delegation of NBA players to discuss social justice and economic inequality.
The Hawks sent the pontiff their alternate jersey honoring the Atlanta native son and civil rights icon who was assassinated in 1968. It will be worn for the first time Monday when the team hosts its annual game on the King national holiday.
Atlanta Hawks forward De'Andre Hunter (12) drives against Philadelphia 76ers guard Dakota Mathias (33) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Monday, Jan. 11, 2021, in Atlanta. (AP PhotoJohn Bazemore)
The team released a video that showed Francis opening a package that contained the No. 1 jersey, which has “MLK” across the front — instead of “Hawks” or the city name — and Francis' name across the back.
The pontiff said “Thank you very much” before blessing the jersey and signing it.
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Atlanta Hawks fans stand for the national anthem before an NBA basketball game against the Philadelphia 76ers, Monday, Jan. 11, 2021, in Atlanta. (AP PhotoJohn Bazemore)