On 7 June 2003, Pope John Paul II visited Đakovo, and the citizens of Đakovo, as true and genuine Slavonians, welcomed him with a song in front of the cathedral. The town, lined with Vatican's yellow and white flags, was full of believers eager to welcome Pope John Paul II in their town. Locals of Đakovo still reminisce that beautiful event with joy and fondness.
It is estimated that on that day in Đakovo as many as 10,000 people turned out to witness the Pope's arrival. His arrival from Osijek was announced by the bell of the Đakovo cathedral at 13.35, and at 17.00 the church bells were sounded again, this time to announce the appearance of the Holy Father in front of the cathedral. The cheering people of Đakovo greeted him chanting: Long live the Pope! Viva Papa!
Pope about Đakovo
"I admire the beauty of the Slavonian plain, the breadbasket of Croatia," said Pope John Paul II while greeting the faithful crowd with a locally worn traditional šokački hat. It was a special feeling, a feeling of joy, faith, hope, love, and as if with this act of kindness the Pope had become even closer to the crowd. With a šokački hat in his hands, he gave his shepherd's blessing to the faithful crowd. The image of the pope with a Slavonian hat on his head soon grew into one of the most powerful symbols of the pope's third visit to our country, featured also by the worldwide media.