The NBA has been vocal about allowing teams and players to use their platforms to speak about different social issues. Now, the league’s effort in supporting the Black Lives Matter movement has been recognized by no less than Pope Francis, with the Atlanta Hawks involved

According to Marc J. Spears of The Undefeated, the Vatican reached out to the Atlanta Hawks asking for a 2020-2021 MLK Nike Edition City jersey so the Pope could pray a blessing to commemorate MLK Day, while also acknowledging the league’s players and their support of the Black Lives Matter movement.

The Hawks also documented the Pope’s prayer of blessing on their social media account, stating that the team and the head of the Catholic Church share a “commitment to make positive changes in social equality, economic empowerment, and love.”

This isn't the first time the Pope has praised the NBA, its teams, and players for taking a stand against social injustice. Back in November, Pope Francis hosted a delegation of NBA players and officials from the NBPA to talk about social justice issues.

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The five NBA players who were part of the delegation were Kyle Korver, Sterling Brown, Jonathan Isaac, Marco Belinelli, and Anthony Tolliver. Also joining the group was Michele Roberts, the executive director of the union.

The Hawks are set to wear their MLK jerseys for the first time on MLK Day, which is this upcoming Monday. Atlanta currently has a 5-5 record and is coming off a 112-94 win over the Philadelphia 76ers, which snapped a four-game losing streak. The Hawks will look to make it back-to-back wins when they face the Utah Jazz on Friday.