The three Split residents will receive the 'Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice' (For Church and Pope) award, the highest honour of the Holy See, at 10:00 today in the Split Cathedral. The awards will be presented by Marin Barišić, the archbishop of the Archdiocese of Split-Makarska and metropolitan in retirement.
The 'Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice' award is given to lay people and clergy for steadfastness in service and loyalty to the Church. It was established by Pope Leo XIII on 17 July 1888, on the fiftieth anniversary of his priestly ordination. The current appearance of the award, with depictions of the apostles St Peter and St Paul, was introduced by Pope Paul VI.
Among the recipients is Mate Peroš, a well-known Split lawyer and former president of HNK 'Hajduk'. He is receiving the award for his contributions in his legal work, specifically for representing the Archdiocese of Split-Makarska over the past 16 years.
In addition to Mate Peroš, the award will be received by Neven Matijević, former head of the Split branch of Hrvatske ceste (Croatian Roads), who has been a technical advisor to the archdiocese for several decades. The third recipient is Ante Bašić, who has worked in the archdiocese for 40 years as a caretaker, or handyman.
Archbishop Bariš proposed the three laureates for the award before his retirement, and the award was approved by Pope Francis.
