Chicago authorities plan to confiscate the house where Pope Leo XIV grew up – Bloomberg.

The city authorities plan to seize the childhood home of Pope Leo XIV

The local authorities of Dolton plan to take control of the house where Pope Leo XIV spent his childhood after the owner put it up for auction. This information was disclosed by Bloomberg agency.

«The city of Chicago plans to take control of the house where Pope Leo XIV spent his childhood just days after the current owner put the property up for auction», the material states.

The house was put up for auction in May with a starting price of $250,000. It is located 32 km from downtown Chicago. The local authorities plan to cooperate with the Archdiocese of Chicago to recognize the house as a historic landmark.

Previous and new ownership of the house

In 2022, this house was bought by an investor for $66,000. After renovation, the owner decided to sell it in 2025 for $250,000. However, demand for it was weak, even after the price was lowered to $199,000. But after Leo XIV was elected Pope in May, the seller received eight offers within just a few hours.

It is worth noting that Robert Prevo became the first American to hold the position of the 267th Pope after the death of his predecessor Francis in April 2025.