Wow Pope Leo XIV's Childhood Chicago Home Sells for $375,000 and is Purchased by the Village in Hopes of Becoming a Historical Site! VIDEO

Pope Leo XIV’s childhood home sold for $375,000 to the Village of Dolton, Illinois, Chicago.
A village confirmed that the purchase of the home officially closed on July 8, 2025.
The township is working to have the property solicited as a historical site, with possible federal and state funding opportunities tied to historic preservation, tourism development, and community growth.

The village, south of Chicago, has a poverty rate of 20%, according to the 2023 U.S. census community survey.
Many tourists come to the home stopping to pray.

Dolton's Mayor Jason House spoke candidly to Dolton residents ahead of the pivotal Board of Trustees vote regarding the potential purchase of the former residence of the newly appointed Pope, a Dolton native. In his address, Mayor House acknowledged community concerns about finances and infrastructure, while emphasizing the opportunity to preserve local history, generate economic benefits, and uplift village pride. (SEE VIDEO Below)

OSV reported: In early May, days after the pope’s election, Donna Sagna Davis, a resident who had been living next door for more than eight years, told OSV News she witnessed fights, shootings and she suspected drug dealing there until two years ago, when the home was vacated and put up for sale. She said she welcomed the village’s interest in taking ownership of the property and making it a historical site.

According to Realtor.com: Pope Leo, who was born Robert Francis Prevost, spent several years living in the small dwelling in Dolton. His father, Louis Prevost, sold the property in 1996, according to records, after which it was sold on just two other occasions.

Property flipper Radzik acquired the abode in March 2024 for $66,000 and had initially planned to renovate it, then sell it off—until, that is, its former resident was appointed to succeed the late Pope Francis during the conclave in May.

Sources: https://www.realtor.com/news/unique-homes/pope-leo-xiv-home-sale-price/

https://www.osvnews.com/village-of-dolton-buys-pope-leos-boyhood-home-as-pilgrims-visit-and-pray/