The 1,050-square-foot home in Dolton, south Chicago, was bought by the Pope’s parents in 1949.
They paid a monthly mortgage of $49 on it and it was owned by the Prevost family for nearly 50 years.
The three-bedroom house where Pope Leo XIV was raised initially went on the market on May 5 for $245,957, but it was promptly withdrawn following Robert Prevost’s election as pope.
It was then put up for auction, but the homeowner decided to sell out of auction to the Dolton Village Board.
And the board voted unanimously last night (1) in a special meeting to approve the purchase of the house.
While the final sale price hasn’t been revealed, Burt Odelson, who managed the transaction, mentioned that it was “significantly lower than what they anticipated.”
Childhood homes of former Popes have become museums and pilgrimage sites, bringing in thousands of tourists.
Tourists have already been flocking to the Dolton home, with some arriving within hours of Leo becoming Pope.
Dolton village leaders praised the purchase of the Pope’s home as a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity”.
Dolton Mayor Jason House, said: “This is a 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.”
Despite the mayor’s delight at the purchase, some residents raised their doubts over the project.
In recent years, Dolton has struggled after the loss of manufacturing jobs.
One resident, Mary Avent, questioned the board’s decision to buy the property and how they will pay for its upkeep.
She remarked: “Buying the pope’s home is commendable, but given our current state, can we afford it? Even if we can, maintenance is another important factor.”
“In my opinion, a house is a pimp because it demands money every day.”
Other residents raised issues with financing basic city infrastructure, including the sewers, storefronts, and roads.
Rev. Ryan Reese, said: “We need to be mindful of the issues the city has.
“You have a difficult situation finding out the finances of the community. You’re basically driving over gravel right now.”
The hope from the Mayor is that the Pope’s former home will spark a revival for Dolton.
And some board members are saying that the house is already sparking more interest in the town.
Trustee Edward Steave, said: “If you ever see the traffic over there, the constant busloads in and out of our town, this is a great opportunity for us.
“This is a historical thing.”
