No One is Safe! Chicago Suburb Aims to Buy – or Take – Pope Leo XIV’s Childhood Home
In early May, Robert Prevost was introduced to the world as Pope Leo XIV, the first American Pope. Pope Leo was raised in the small suburb of Dolton, Illinois, where his family resided for nearly 50 years. Following the pontiff’s recent introduction, Dolton has now made it clear that intends to acquire Pope Leo’s childhood home by purchase or eminent domain. The stated purpose for Dolton’s proposed acquisition is “to allow the home to be viewed and visited by the public as a historic site.”
The house on the former Prevost property was built in 1949 and measures 1,050 square feet, while the lot itself is just under 5,000 square feet. The current owner purchased the home in 2024 for $66,000 with a plan to renovate and flip it for profit. After renovations were completed — but before Robert Prevost was named pontiff — the property was listed on the market for $199,000. Once Pope Leo was named, the owner has placed the property up for auction, with a reserve price of $250,000.
In an effort to stall any potential sale, Dolton’s attorneys submitted a letter to the auction house that stated as follows: “Please inform any prospective buyers that their ‘purchase’ may only be temporary since the Village intends to begin the eminent domain process very shortly.”
Although a “cloud” of eminent domain has been cast over the property, it appears that the owner is receptive to selling to the municipality. According to the owner’s agent, the owner is “open to the potential opportunity of working with the Village of Dolton to purchase the property at fair market value.” Proving a premium for the Prevost property may be difficult due to the lack of market data in the area, despite the fact that the private market may actually recognize a premium at auction. Indeed, a sale of the subject property at auction for over $250,000 would perhaps be the strongest evidence of value for this unique parcel.
Another issue that may arise if a taking occurs concerns the framing of Dolton’s proposed “public purpose.” While historic preservation has been recognized as a public purpose, Dolton’s preliminary discussions for this acquisition included the solicitation of the Archdiocese of Chicago as a potential partner. A taking of private property on behalf of, or in coordination with, a religious organization will certainly raise eyebrows if Dolton proceeds down this path.
This story has already gained a lot of traction in the media, and we will be updating our blog as it progresses:
- “Dolton’s plan to acquire Pope Leo XIV’s childhood home, possibly through eminent domain, raises legal questions”
- “Chicago suburb plans to take ownership of Pope Leo XIV’s childhood home through eminent domain”
- “Chicago Suburb Plans to Acquire Pope Leo XIV’s Childhood Home”
One of the easiest ways for a property owner to begin the fight against eminent domain is to retain experienced counsel as early as possible. For over 55 years, McKirdy, Riskin, Olson & DellaPelle, P.C. has concentrated its practice in this special area of the law and has earned a reputation for persistently defending its clients’ constitutionally-recognized property rights. If you are confronted with the threat of eminent domain, please feel free to contact us for a free consultation.
