Illinois Town Moves to Acquire Pope Leo XIV’s Boyhood Home Through Eminent Domain and Make it a Historic Site

A person takes a picture of the childhood home of the new Pope Leo XIV in Dolton, Illinois, on May 9, 2025. Robert Francis Prevost became the first pope from the United States on May 8, 2025, picking the papal name Leo XIV after cardinals from around the world elected him leader of the world's 1.4 billion Catholics.

Dolton, IL — The Village of Dolton is moving to acquire the boyhood home of Pope Leo XIV through eminent domain, despite the property currently being listed for private sale. Officials say the effort is part of a larger plan to preserve the historic residence of the first American pope as a public heritage site.

The modest three-bedroom, three-bathroom brick home, located in a suburb of Chicago, was built in 1949 and spans 1,050 square feet on a lot just under 5,000 square feet. The house served as the childhood residence of Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost, who made history in May 2025 by becoming the first American elected to lead the Roman Catholic Church.

The home's current owner, who bought the property for approximately $66,000, renovated it earlier this year and initially listed it for sale at $199,000. After Prevost’s election as pope, the listing was temporarily withdrawn, and the reserve price was later raised to $250,000, according to auction details posted by Paramount Realty USA. The property is now up for private auction with bids accepted through June 18.

Pope Leo XIV

However, Dolton officials may derail the sale before any buyer can complete a transaction. In a formal letter dated Tuesday, Village Attorney Burt Odelson informed Paramount Realty USA’s CEO Misha Haghani that the village intends to either purchase the home directly or invoke its right under Illinois eminent domain law to acquire the property regardless of competing offers.

Under Illinois law, local governments can use eminent domain to seize private property for public use, even if the property is already for sale or has a buyer. Odelson emphasized that the village, in collaboration with the Chicago Archdiocese, is committed to preserving the home as a historic site accessible to the public.

"The Village of Dolton intends to purchase this home either through direct purchase or through their eminent domain powers," Odelson stated in the letter. "We will do what the archdiocese thinks is best to preserve the home so that everybody, not just in Dolton or the South suburbs, but worldwide, can come to his home."

He also cautioned that any potential buyers should be informed that their purchase could be temporary, as the village plans to initiate the eminent domain process imminently.

The home, which was owned by the Prevost family for nearly half a century, is described in the listing as the "foundation of a life that would lead to the Vatican." While prospective buyers still have a window to place bids, the village’s legal authority could override any finalized sale, reinforcing Dolton’s intention to safeguard a landmark of rising global significance.