The Dolton, Illinois, childhood home of Robert Prevostâa.k.a. Pope Leo XIVâwas recently taken off the market, per the New York Post. The property was listed in February with an asking price of $200,000, but the current owner, property flipper Pawel Radzik, abruptly pulled the listing after learning that Prevost, who was recently elected pope, formerly resided there.
Pope Leo XIV, who is the first American pope, reportedly lived at the dwelling for decades. His family initially purchased the 750-square-foot home in 1949, paying $42 monthly toward the mortgage. The modest, three-bedroom, two-bathroom house maintains its original layout and brick walls, though its interiors have been renovated since the holy leaderâs time there. Radzik bought the house in May 2024 for $66,000. Real-estate investor Steve Budzik, who currently holds the listing, has updated the home with fresh tile work, modern fixtures, and contemporary amenities. Some of the propertyâs latest additions include a jacuzzi tub and a kitchen outfitted with a breakfast bar.
Since Pope Leo XIVâs appointment as the Catholic Churchâs new leader on May 8, Radzik has reportedly received four offers on the now-famous pad. The initial asking price is a thing of the past; he expects to cash in on over $400,000 for the houseâif he and Budzik end up letting go of it, that is. âMaybe Iâm way off. Maybe somebodyâs willing to pay more,â Budzik told Curbed.
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Prevost has received an outpouring of enthusiasm from his hometown, with visitors reportedly popping by his former Dolton home to commemorate the news. (Though some of them are making the pilgrimage to the wrong house.) For now, Radzik is contemplating on turning the tiny suburban property into a museum, a historic landmark, or a short-term rental. âIâm going to keep it for now,â Radzik told the New York Post. âIâm excited⦠Iâm lucky to have it.â