Village of Dolton Officially Designates the Childhood Home of Pope Leo XIV as a Historical Landmark

Village of Dolton Officially Designates the Childhood Home of Pope Leo XIV as a Historical Landmark

A First in American History: Home of the First U.S.-Born Pope Preserved for Global Pilgrimage, Education, and Civic Pride

Dolton, Illinois — On Tuesday, Dec. 2nd, in a historic and unprecedented action, the Village of Dolton has formally designated the childhood home of Pope Leo XIV (born Robert Francis Prevost) as an official Historical Landmark and Site of Special Historical Significance. The decision, enacted through ordinance by Mayor Jason House and the Board of Trustees, recognizes the property at 212 East 141st Place as one of the most culturally and spiritually significant locations in the United States.

Pope Leo XIV, elected on May 8, 2025, is the first individual born in the United States to become Pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, a milestone of profound national and international importance. His humble beginnings in Dolton, Illinois, mark the Village as a central point in global religious history.

A Landmark of Global Significance

The Cape-Cod–style residence, purchased by the Prevost family in 1949, served as the home where Pope Leo XIV spent his formative years from childhood until 1969. It was within this Dolton neighborhood that he developed early foundations of faith as a devout altar boy at St. Mary of the Assumption Church in Chicago.

Since the Pope’s election, thousands of visitors and pilgrims have traveled to Dolton, prompting increased local interest, global media attention, and daily crowd management by the Dolton Police Department. Officials anticipate that landmark designation will solidify the site as a permanent destination for spiritual tourism, education, and civic engagement.

Mayor Jason House: “A Historic Honor for Dolton and the Nation”

“This is a moment that will be remembered for generations,” said Mayor Jason House. “Dolton is now forever imprinted on the world stage. Preserving Pope Leo XIV’s childhood home is not just about honoring history, it’s about protecting a symbol of hope, faith, and the extraordinary potential found in everyday American communities.”

The ordinance empowers the Village to preserve and develop the site, explore the creation of a museum, and collaborate with the Archdiocese of Chicago, historians, and religious institutions to ensure the home remains accessible for education and reflection.

A National Treasure with Local Roots

Born in Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood in 1955 and raised in Dolton, Robert Francis Prevost went on to earn advanced theological degrees, serve around the world, and rise through the ranks of the Roman Catholic Church before his elevation to Pope. His election as the 267th Pontiff has made Dolton a unique part of American and international religious history.

Next Steps: Preservation, Development & Public Access

The Village will establish a committee, task force, or charitable organization dedicated to securing grants, receiving donations, and overseeing the preservation and public use of the site. These efforts aim to ensure the home becomes a lasting educational and inspirational resource for residents, visitors, and pilgrims.

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