02-07-2025
Pope Leo XIV's hometown votes to buy his childhood home
The Dolton Village Board in a south Chicago suburb unanimously voted to purchase the childhood home of Pope Leo XIV.
The acquisition aims to revitalise the financially struggling village, which is currently grappling with significant debt.
Pope Leo XIV, born Cardinal Robert Prevost, is the first US pontiff, and his modest Dolton home has become a pilgrimage site since his election in May.
Dolton Mayor Jason House views the purchase as a "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity" to bring economic benefits, drawing parallels to other papal homes or historical figures' residences.
Despite mayoral enthusiasm and recent positive activity like a free roof replacement, some residents express skepticism regarding the financial prudence given the village's dire economic situation.
