DOLTON, Ill. (WGN) – Dolton has closed on the purchase of Pope Leo XIV’s childhood home.

Officials said the village closed on the home, located at 212 East 141st Place, for $375,000. That price included all applicable realtor and auction fees. The village had previously been considering claiming the property through eminent domain, but reached the purchase price through negotiations with the home’s current owner.

The owner bought the house for $66,000 last year, renovated the interior and previously asked for $199,000 for the home, all prior to Pope Leo XIV’s election.

Village trustees previously announced plans to collaborate with the archdiocese to purchase the home, with the goal of transforming the dwelling into a historical site open to the public. 

Additional improvements will take place before it opens to the general public for tours.

The village board previously approved the purchase on Tuesday, July 1, during a special board meeting.

“With this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, we can either seize this moment and move it forward, or we can let that moment go to an investor. I would like our community to get the benefits of this opportunity,” Dolton Mayor Jason House told affiliate WGN-TV at the board meeting.

An auction of the home through private sale was scheduled to close on July 17.