In 1997, the pope visited the church, having previously canonised the now Saint Jadwiga during the Holy Mass on Błonia. The 14th-century Polish monarch (who in fact bore the title of king of Poland) became famous for her great piety. Moreover, the first translation of the Book of Psalms into Polish was her initiative. The queen also helped to develop the operation of Kraków Academy - today's Jagiellonian University. Preserved to this day is the rationale, i.e. a special liturgical scarf-like vestment worn by Kraków bishops and archbishops, that she donated. Placed in front of the church devoted to Saint Jadwiga is the cross at which John Paul II celebrated the Holy Mass on Błonia Common Green during his first pilgrimage to his homeland in 1979.
