DOLTON, Ill. – The boyhood home of Pope Leo XIV, located in Dolton, Illinois, may soon be acquired by the village through eminent domain laws despite being up for sale. The residence, which holds historical significance as the childhood home of Robert Francis Prevost, the first American pope, is currently listed for sale. However, the Village of Dolton has expressed its intention to acquire the property, either by direct purchase or using eminent domain powers, which allow the government to seize private property for public use.
Details of the Home and the Sale
The property in question is a three-bedroom, three-bathroom house built in 1949, measuring 1,050 square feet on a 5,000-square-foot lot. It was originally purchased for about $66,000 and has been recently renovated. The current asking price for the home is set at $250,000, with bidding available through Paramount Realty USA. The home was initially listed for $199,000 but was taken off the market after Pope Leo XIV’s election in May 2025.
Despite this, the village of Dolton has a legal right under Illinois law to purchase the property even if a higher offer comes in from another buyer. This is part of the village’s plan to preserve the home as a historical site open to the public. Village officials, in collaboration with the Chicago Archdiocese, intend to transform the property into a place that can be visited by people around the world, celebrating the legacy of Pope Leo XIV.
Legal and Political Reactions
Attorney Burt Odelson, who represents the Village of Dolton, confirmed the plan to use eminent domain to secure the property. In a letter dated Tuesday, Odelson informed Misha Haghani, CEO and founder of Paramount Realty USA, of the village’s intention to acquire the property through eminent domain if necessary.
“Please inform any prospective buyers that their ‘purchase’ may only be temporary since the Village intends to begin the eminent domain process very shortly,” Odelson wrote in his letter to Haghani. The village’s ability to use eminent domain means that even if another buyer offers a higher price, Dolton has first rights to the property.
Pope Leo XIV’s Connection to the Home
Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost, made history in May 2025 as the first American to be elected pope. The home in Dolton is seen as an important part of his personal history, representing the early foundation of his life before ascending to the Vatican. According to the auction website, the home was owned by the Prevost family for nearly 50 years and has significant sentimental value.
For those interested in acquiring the property, bids will be accepted until June 18, but the village’s use of eminent domain could potentially halt the sale process before it even begins. Odelson expressed the village’s determination to ensure the house’s preservation as a historical landmark.
The situation has sparked discussions about the use of eminent domain and the preservation of historic sites, particularly when such sites are tied to prominent historical figures like Pope Leo XIV. The village of Dolton’s plans will likely continue to evolve as both the legal and historical implications unfold.
