What was once an ordinary two-story house in Dolton, Illinois is now at the center of a remarkable transformation. The birthplace and childhood home of newly elected Pope Leo XIV—formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost—has become a destination for curious pilgrims and a potential lifeline for a financially floundering village.
Ever since white smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel in May, signaling the election of the first American pope, this humble home has drawn nationwide attention. The house, located just 20 miles south of Chicago, has become an unofficial shrine almost overnight. On July 2, the Dolton Village Board voted unanimously to purchase the property, sparking both excitement and concern in a town still reeling from years of fiscal mismanagement.
A Village in Crisis Looks to the Church for Revival
The decision to buy the pope’s former home is a bold one for Dolton. Once mired in scandal under former Mayor Tiffany Henyard—with depleted bank accounts and nearly $4 million in debt—the village has struggled to regain public trust. Even a financial audit last year by former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot laid bare the town’s grim realities. So when current Mayor Jason House called the property purchase a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” the room was split between optimism and apprehension.
“This is a proud moment for our village,” House told the board according to AP. “We want to do it justice.” Still, some residents raised valid concerns. “Do we even have the money?” asked Mary Avent, a local resident. It’s a question that looms large even as repairs are already underway on the house, thanks to donations like a full roof replacement by Gino Ferrari’s Windy City Construction Group.
The Real Estate Miracle No One Saw Coming
Just two months ago, the home was on the market for a modest $200,000 and had been listed for over 100 days without a single serious offer. Pawel Radzik, a Polish-American investor who bought and renovated the property, was unaware of its divine history until a routine doctor’s visit revealed that his home had once belonged to the newly elected pope.
The revelation changed everything. Four offers came in overnight. The listing was pulled. Realtor Steve Budzik compared it to winning the lottery. Options now range from reselling at a far higher price to converting the house into a religious museum—a move that could attract global pilgrims and potentially inject tourism revenue into Dolton’s battered economy.
From Forgotten Block to Sacred Ground
Once riddled with crime and even occupied by drug dealers between 2017 and 2018, the house now represents a symbol of spiritual renewal and civic pride. Neighboring streets are already being repaired, and a newly installed sign reads “A roof for the Pope’s roots.” Bike riders from downtown Chicago and neighbors alike are flocking to catch a glimpse.
“Dolton has been through a lot,” said Ferrari. “But this moment—it’s something good, something hopeful.”
A Global Leader with Local Roots
Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Prevost in 1955 in Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood, grew up attending St. Mary of the Assumption and teaching at local Catholic schools. His unexpected rise to papacy has brought pride not just to the global Catholic community, but also to the tight-knit neighborhoods of South Side Chicago. With dual citizenship in Peru and the U.S., and a career steeped in missionary work, the pope brings with him a rare global perspective—and now, an unexpected tourism boom to his old zip code.
His election follows the death of Pope Francis and marks a new chapter in the Catholic Church. For Dolton, it may also mark the beginning of a long-overdue resurrection.
As Mayor House put it: “We can either seize this moment or let it slip away. I’d rather our community get the benefit of this opportunity.”
Ever since white smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel in May, signaling the election of the first American pope, this humble home has drawn nationwide attention. The house, located just 20 miles south of Chicago, has become an unofficial shrine almost overnight. On July 2, the Dolton Village Board voted unanimously to purchase the property, sparking both excitement and concern in a town still reeling from years of fiscal mismanagement.
A Village in Crisis Looks to the Church for Revival
The decision to buy the pope’s former home is a bold one for Dolton. Once mired in scandal under former Mayor Tiffany Henyard—with depleted bank accounts and nearly $4 million in debt—the village has struggled to regain public trust. Even a financial audit last year by former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot laid bare the town’s grim realities. So when current Mayor Jason House called the property purchase a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” the room was split between optimism and apprehension.
“This is a proud moment for our village,” House told the board according to AP. “We want to do it justice.” Still, some residents raised valid concerns. “Do we even have the money?” asked Mary Avent, a local resident. It’s a question that looms large even as repairs are already underway on the house, thanks to donations like a full roof replacement by Gino Ferrari’s Windy City Construction Group.
The Real Estate Miracle No One Saw Coming
Just two months ago, the home was on the market for a modest $200,000 and had been listed for over 100 days without a single serious offer. Pawel Radzik, a Polish-American investor who bought and renovated the property, was unaware of its divine history until a routine doctor’s visit revealed that his home had once belonged to the newly elected pope.
The revelation changed everything. Four offers came in overnight. The listing was pulled. Realtor Steve Budzik compared it to winning the lottery. Options now range from reselling at a far higher price to converting the house into a religious museum—a move that could attract global pilgrims and potentially inject tourism revenue into Dolton’s battered economy.
The Pope's childhood house in Dolton is currently for sale for $199,900. pic.twitter.com/2FIbhoskyy
— Frank Calabrese (@FrankCalabrese) May 9, 2025
From Forgotten Block to Sacred Ground
Once riddled with crime and even occupied by drug dealers between 2017 and 2018, the house now represents a symbol of spiritual renewal and civic pride. Neighboring streets are already being repaired, and a newly installed sign reads “A roof for the Pope’s roots.” Bike riders from downtown Chicago and neighbors alike are flocking to catch a glimpse.
“Dolton has been through a lot,” said Ferrari. “But this moment—it’s something good, something hopeful.”
A Global Leader with Local Roots
Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Prevost in 1955 in Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood, grew up attending St. Mary of the Assumption and teaching at local Catholic schools. His unexpected rise to papacy has brought pride not just to the global Catholic community, but also to the tight-knit neighborhoods of South Side Chicago. With dual citizenship in Peru and the U.S., and a career steeped in missionary work, the pope brings with him a rare global perspective—and now, an unexpected tourism boom to his old zip code.
His election follows the death of Pope Francis and marks a new chapter in the Catholic Church. For Dolton, it may also mark the beginning of a long-overdue resurrection.
As Mayor House put it: “We can either seize this moment or let it slip away. I’d rather our community get the benefit of this opportunity.”
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