US EditionVillage of Dolton Completes Purchase of Pope Leo XIV's Childhood Home
DOLTON, ILLINOIS, JUL 10 – The village paid $375,000, about 70% above the initial asking price, aiming to create a landmark that may boost local pride and economic activity, officials said.
- On Tuesday, July 8, Dolton finalized the acquisition of the boyhood residence of Pope Leo XIV at 212 E. 141st Place for a total of $375,000, which included commission fees.
- The purchase followed a unanimous vote by the Village Board on July 1 to authorize the acquisition amid ongoing negotiations with owner Pawel Radzik and an auction scheduled for July 17.
- The modest brick three-bedroom home, where Robert Francis Prevost lived full time until 1969, has become a tourist destination since Prevost's election as pope in May.
- Dolton officials, including Mayor Jason House, said restoring the home and forming a steering committee to determine its future use aims to turn it into a landmark, though details and partnerships with the Chicago Archdiocese remain unsettled.
- The acquisition is seen as a significant opportunity to boost local interest and economic activity despite the village’s fiscal challenges, with hopes the investment will eventually pay for itself.
33 Articles
33 Articles
Pope Leo XIV’s Hometown Purchases His Childhood Home
Pope Leo XIV’s childhood home is seen in Dolton, Illinois, May 9, 2025. Newly elected Dolton Mayor Jason House said on July 10 that a steering committee would be formed in order to plan how to manage the property, which will become a historic site open to the public.
Dolton buys Pope Leo’s childhood home for nearly double the asking price – The Independent
The house was originally listed earlier this year for $219,000 after a local property developer bought it for $66,000 to renovate. After Leo stunned Americans and was elected pope on May 8, the seller pulled the home from the market and later announced a luxury auction, with a $250,000 opening bid. The village of Dolton ended up purchasing the property for $375,000. The average house price in Dolton is about $179,000, according to Realtor.com.
The town of Dalton has acquired the family home of the first American pontiff with the aim of opening it to the public.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 53% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
