The childhood home of Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost, is making waves in the real estate market, again. After its listing was briefly pulled following the Pope's ascension, the Dolton residence, where the Pope spent his early years is now up for grabs through a "luxury private auction." The home, located on East 141st Place in the Chicago suburb, has been tagged as a "Piece of Papal History," as stated by NBC Chicago.
Previously listed for under $250,000, the 750-square-foot property made a quick exit from the market in the wake of Pope Leo's election, creating quite a stir. Realtor Steve Budzik, reflecting on how events unfolded, told NBC Chicago, "At first I didn't really like believe it." "I didn't really believe because I didn't see the news," Budzik added. But as the realization of the Pope's prominence took hold, Budzik said, "this is real." The current owner, who acquired the property for $66,000 in May 2024 with intentions of flipping it, decided to resort to the auction format, allowing for bids until June 18.
In the heart of Dolton, the rise of the Pope has brought renewed attention and potential opportunity to the community, as noted by the Chicago Sun-Times. Once a vibrant village challenged by demographic shifts and economic decline, Dolton may now glimpse a beacon of hope, with the Pope’s story placing it on historical and spiritual maps. Longtime residents like Dorothy Bell, who settled there in the 1980s, hold onto hope for a revival, though not without concern about the possible costs that change could bring.
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