The childhood residence of Pope Leo XIV, the first American to ascend to the papacy, has been purchased by his hometown of Dolton, Illinois, which intends to convert the house into a public historical landmark.
According to local reports on Friday, the modest three-bedroom brick home located in the Chicago suburb was sold for $375,000. Just a year earlier, a private buyer had acquired the property for $66,000, carried out extensive renovations, and put it up for sale shortly before Robert Prevost was elected Pope.
With a population of roughly 21,000, Dolton views this acquisition as a proud and meaningful step toward preserving the legacy of one of its most esteemed natives. The Dolton Village Board of Trustees unanimously approved the purchase and is set to designate the home as an official historical site.
As reported by WBEZ Chicago, the pontiff’s parents originally bought the property in 1949 and owned it until 1996. The home is seen as a symbol of Pope Leo XIV’s humble beginnings in a blue-collar American neighborhood.
Village officials plan to restore the home to its original mid-20th-century state and create exhibits chronicling the early life, faith journey, and rise of Pope Leo to the leadership of the Catholic Church. They also envision the site becoming a significant cultural and educational destination for both locals and visitors, including pilgrims.
Restoration and transformation efforts are expected to begin later this year.