Pope Leo’s childhood home in Chicago up for auction

By Ben Barry

The Pope's childhood home in Chicago is up for sale again, after being taken off the market and re-listed for more when the owner discovered the famous former occupant.

The three-bedroom home in Dolton, Chicago, Illinois, that Pope Leo XIV's grew up in was initially put up for sale on May 5 for $245,957 but was quickly taken down after Robert Prevost was elected pope.

The 1,050 sqft home was bought by the Pope's parents in 1949 - who paid a monthly mortgage of $49 on it - and was owned by the Prevost family for nearly 50 years.

But now the "piece of papal history" is up for sale as part of a luxury private auction with Paramount Realty USA, and bidding is due to start on June 18, 2025.

The reserve price for the property is $250,000, and the listing states that the seller may accept or reject bids at any time.

The listing states: "A truly one-of-a-kind opportunity, this beautifully updated home isn't just a charming 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom residence.

"It's the childhood home of Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope in history.

"Born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago and raised right here in Dolton, Pope Leo XIV's journey from this humble neighborhood to the Vatican is a testament to faith, perseverance, and purpose."