- 04 July, 2025
DOLTON, U.S.A., July 4, 202: The Village Board of Dolton, a suburb in south Chicago, voted unanimously on Tuesday, July 1, to purchase the childhood home of Pope Leo XIV, according to a news report by the Associated Press published on July 2. The report noted that the board aims to transform the home into a site of cultural and religious significance. The board hopes this initiative will boost the village's economy by attracting more tourists.
The two-storey house, located about 20 miles south of Chicago, was once the residence of Robert Prevost, who was elected in May 2025 as Pope Leo XIV. Since his historic election, the house has seen a surge in visitors who have been treating it as a pilgrimage site.
Pope Leo was born in 1955 in the Bronzeville neighbourhood on Chicago's South Side. He grew up in suburban Dolton, where he attended Mass and elementary school at St. Mary of the Assumption Parish. He later pursued theological studies at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago’s Hyde Park neighbourhood. During this time, he also taught in several local Catholic schools, including St. Rita High School.
By purchasing his childhood home, the Village of Dolton aims to follow in the footsteps of other cities that have preserved the childhood houses of famous figures as museums or heritage sites.
Dolton Mayor Jason House described the purchase of Pope Leo's childhood home as a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” during the village board meeting. He highlighted how the childhood homes of previous popes have become important religious landmarks and tourist destinations.
“This is a proud moment for our village and an opportunity,” House said. “We want to make sure that we’re doing it justice.”
However, several residents who attended the board meeting expressed scepticism about the benefits the house purchase could bring to taxpayers. Many questioned whether the financially strained village could afford to buy the home and maintain the surrounding streets.
Last year, the village brought in former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot to investigate its finances. During her investigation, she discovered that the board had depleted its bank accounts, accumulated over $3.65 million in debt, and allowed a growing pile of unpaid bills to mount.“
Purchasing the pope’s residence is admirable,” said resident Mary Avent during the meeting. “But with the state we’re in right now, my concern is – do we have the money?”
Mayor House acknowledged residents' financial concerns and assured them of his commitment to repairing nearby streets and managing the project responsibly. He added that the process of purchasing the house is expected to be completed within two weeks.
“We can either seize this moment or let it go to an investor,” House stated. “I would like our community to benefit from this opportunity.”
Other board members echoed the mayor’s optimism, noting that preserving the childhood homes of figures like Michael Jackson and Martin Luther King Jr. has brought economic benefits to the communities where they stand.
Courtesy: CHRISTINE FERNANDO, Associated Press
Image Source: X
© 2025 CATHOLIC CONNECT POWERED BY ATCONLINE LLP
