DOLTON, Ill. (WGN) At first glance, it may not look like it, but the seeds of hope and faith are starting to grow in the Chicago suburb of Dolton.
There are signs that better days are just around the corner on 141st Place.
The Village of Dolton recently closed on the property that was the childhood home of Robert Prevost, now known to the world as Pope Leo XIV.
Pope Leo was born and raised in Dolton in a small brick home. Born to Louis Prevost and Mildred Martínez on Sept. 14, 1955. He is the youngest of three siblings, alongside brothers Louis and John.
Hours after the village purchased the property, a modest structure of three bedrooms and three baths that was recently renovated, Dolton trustees Kiana Belcher and Brittney Norwood got their first inside look at the home.
They brought affiliate WGN News along for the tour.
The Dolton leadership team considered gaining ownership by way of eminent domain village attorney Burt Odelson was able to negotiate a purchase price with the previous owner of $375,000.
They are now working on getting landmark status. In time, the home will be open to the public for tours.
And only three blocks away is St. Mary’s of Assumption church and school, sold by the archdiocese several years ago. It is now abandoned and in disrepair, but the non-profit Preservation Chicago is working with the current owner to obtain landmark status as well.
All of which will bring the faithful who will spend time and much needed money to the south suburb.
