It’s not every day that a simple house in a quiet American suburb suddenly becomes the center of global attention.
But that’s exactly what’s happening in Dolton, Illinois — all thanks to the man who once called it home, and who now holds one of the most powerful religious positions in the world.
From Childhood Memories to Papal Legacy
The modest brick house at 212 E. 141st Place, just south of Chicago, used to be listed at $199,000.
Today, it could fetch more than $1 million at auction.
Why? Because it was once the childhood home of the first American to become pope — Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Prevost.
The small three-bedroom, Cape Cod-style home has now transformed from an ordinary residence into a piece of religious history.
It’s the same house where Pope Leo spent his early years before dedicating his life to the Church and later becoming a missionary in Peru.
A Rosary on the Door and Visitors in the Yard
If you pass by the house today, you’ll likely spot something special: a rosary hanging from the red front door, and possibly a group of curious visitors gathered outside.
People have been flocking to see the home since Pope Leo’s election, drawn by the story of his humble beginnings.
The house is also just a 15-minute walk from his former parish, St. Mary of the Assumption, which sadly has since fallen into disrepair.
But that hasn’t stopped locals and tourists alike from making the pilgrimage to the neighborhood that shaped a pope.
A Family Home With Deep Roots
Originally built in 1949, the house was owned by the Prevost family for over 40 years — from Leo’s birth in 1955 up until the mid-1990s.
It last sold for just $66,000 in May 2024, but now, thanks to its papal connection, it’s expected to sell for many times that amount.
The online auction, currently underway, will close on June 18, and there’s already speculation that the final bid could climb well over the million-dollar mark.
Local Officer Proud to Protect a Piece of History
To keep the property safe amid all the attention, Officer Latonya Ruffin has been posted outside the home.
For her, it’s not just another shift on duty — it’s a meaningful experience.
“It’s an honor just to be here,” Ruffin told EWTN News In Depth.
“People come out, and they love him. They love this man.”
A Lasting Symbol of American Faith
What was once a simple family home is now a symbol of hope, faith, and possibility.
From Dolton to the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV’s journey is a reminder that greatness can come from the most unexpected places — even a little brick house in suburban Illinois.