In a move reflecting both civic pride and Catholic heritage, the Village of Dolton, Illinois — the hometown of Pope Leo XIV — is seeking to acquire his childhood home and transform it into a historic site for public access and devotion.
The modest home at 212 E. 141st Place in Dolton was where the future pontiff, born Robert Francis Prevost, spent his formative years. After his election as the first U.S.-born pope, interest in the property surged, prompting local leaders and faithful Catholics to push for its preservation.
According to Catholic News Agency (CNA), Steve Budzik, the listing broker for the home, said both the current owner and the village are eager to reach an agreement. “The seller wants to sell and the village wants to buy,” Budzik told CNA. “The question is: How do we determine what is fair market value for something so unique, so rare? There are no comps, there is nothing else like this.”
The property, initially purchased for $66,000 in 2023, was listed at $219,000 following extensive renovations. After the announcement of Prevost’s elevation to the papacy, the price was reduced to $199,900 and eventually pulled from the market temporarily on May 8, upon the owner learning of its connection to the new pope.
The village of Dolton, supported by the Archdiocese of Chicago, expressed formal interest in purchasing the home. According to village attorney Burt Odelson, “We have a legal right to take the property for public use. That’s the key word — public use. A historic site is public use,” he told Fox2Now, indicating eminent domain could be pursued if a price agreement isn’t reached.
Dolton Mayor Jason House emphasized that the city would prefer a peaceful transaction, but noted that if the property is bought at auction by another party, “they should know that their purchase would only be ‘temporary’ because the city will still attempt to acquire it through eminent domain,” according to ABC7 Chicago.
The listing itself acknowledges the home’s sacred and historical value:
“Born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago and raised right here in Dolton, Pope Leo XIV’s journey from this humble neighborhood to the Vatican is a testament to faith, perseverance, and purpose. Now, you have the rare chance to own a tangible piece of his inspiring legacy.”
In honor of its most prominent native son, Dolton officials have already moved to rename part of 141st Place after Pope Leo XIV.
Catholic preservationists are also working to save related sites. Ward Miller, executive director of Preservation Chicago, is calling for landmark protection for St. Mary of the Assumption, Pope Leo’s childhood parish. The parish has been vacant since 2011 but was recently purchased by Joel Hall, who, according to ABC7 Chicago, is open to pursuing a landmark designation.
“This is a chance for Chicago to rise to the top,” Miller, a Catholic, told CNA. “It’s amazing, the first American pope, and he’s from Chicago!”
Miller’s organization recently urged the Commission on Chicago Landmarks to consider forming a landmark district that includes sites associated with Pope Leo XIV’s early life.
If realized, these efforts would not only honor the memory of Pope Leo XIV but offer Catholics across the United States a sacred site of pilgrimage, prayer, and inspiration—rooted in the humble beginnings of the man now shepherding the universal Church.
