Pope Leo's Residential Community
Dolton, Illinois, Acquires Pope Leo XIV's Childhood Home
The small village of Dolton, Illinois, has made a significant move by purchasing Pope Leo XIV's childhood home for $375,000 in July 2025. This historic brick property, which was previously renovated by a private investor, had an initial asking price of $219,000 before being auctioned off with a reserve price of $250,000[1][2].
The extensive renovation carried out by the previous owner has transformed the three-bedroom, 1,050 square foot home[2]. Now, Dolton officials aim to convert this property into a pilgrimage destination and are actively working towards obtaining landmark status for both the home and the surrounding neighbourhood[1][2].
The village's efforts include collaboration with the Catholic Church to restore and preserve the site, transforming it from a private residence into a publicly accessible space that honours Pope Leo XIV's legacy[2]. This conversion is intended to erase Dolton’s "public shame" related to the church's history and foster a tourism and cultural heritage site that attracts visitors interested in the pope’s roots[2].
Mayor Jason House, who recently took office, considers purchasing Pope Leo's childhood home an investment in Dolton's future[3]. Longtime residents of the town view the house as a sign of hope[6]. Geovani Murphy, a resident living on the same block for 10 years, is happy that the village bought the pope's childhood home[4].
Elaine Wheatley, a neighbour, hopes the village turning the house into a historic landmark will inspire children in the neighbourhood to dream big[5]. Donna Sagna Davis, another neighbour, hosts visitors with a fold-up table offering free bottled water and soda[7]. Visitors from around the world flock to this popular tourist destination, with Luis Guanoluisa, a visitor from Ecuador, feeling being at the pope's house brings him closer to Jesus[8].
Daily, people take pictures and pray in front of the house[9]. Some devout believers touch the house, hoping it will heal their illnesses, and take rocks or leaves from the yard[10]. Mayor House plans to renovate the pope's childhood home and open it to the public once the renovations are complete and the property has been formally recognised as a historic landmark[1][2].
- The recent acquisition of Pope Leo XIV's childhood home in Dolton, Illinois, by the village, has sparked a wave of news stories about its transformation into a historical landmark.
- As part of this endeavor, the local economy may see a boost as fashion-and-beauty, lifestyle, home-and-garden, and tourism sectors may benefit from increased visitor interest in Dolton's cultural heritage and Pope Leo XIV's roots.
