Pope Leo XIV’s early home is set to become a historical attraction, following its recent purchase by the village of Dolton, Illinois the community where the pontiff spent his formative years.
According to local media reports, the modest three-bedroom brick house was sold for $375,000 to the village government.
Located in Dolton, a suburb of Chicago with a population of around 21,000, the house had been extensively renovated by its previous owner, who purchased it last year for $66,000, before Robert Prevost was elected as the first American pope.
The Dolton Village Board of Trustees earlier this month approved the acquisition, with plans to transform the residence into a public historical site that will serve as a local attraction and a tribute to the hometown roots of the pope.
Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Prevost, grew up in the house with his family after his parents purchased it in 1949.
They eventually sold the property in 1996, long before his rise to global prominence within the Catholic Church.
According to WBEZ Chicago, the move has generated local excitement, as community members see the home’s conversion as both a celebration of Dolton’s heritage and a unique opportunity to attract visitors.
Meanwhile, Vatican media continues to highlight Pope Leo XIV’s focus on bridge-building and dialogue, values he emphasized during his first address to the Roman Curia on May 24, 2025.
