The city can gain space through the eminent area, the government’s ability to take personal assets for public purposes.
“The village of Dolton intends to purchase this home either through direct purchase or through their eminent domain powers,” Odelson told Misha Haghani, the CEO and founder of Paramount Realty USA, in a letter dated Tuesday that was provided to Fox News Digital.
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A person takes a picture of the childhood home of the new Pope Leo XIV in Dolton, Illinois, on May 9, 2025. Robert Francis Prevost became the first pope from the United States on May 8, 2025, picking the papal name Leo XIV after cardinals from around the world elected him leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics. (Photo by KAMIL KRZACZYNSKI/AFP via Getty Images)
The Village of Dolton has the right to purchase the three-bedroom, three-bathroom home even if another buyer is willing to pay a higher price, the letter states.
“We will do what the archdiocese thinks is best to preserve the home so that everybody, not just in Dolton or the South suburbs, but worldwide, can come to his home,” Odelson told Fox Chicago.
Village officials are working with the Chicago Archdiocese to turn the home into a historic site that can be visited by the public, Odelson said in his letter.
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Pope Leo XIV speaking with members of the Diplomatic Corp on a number of topics, including family. (Vatican Media)
The house was built in 1949 and measures 1,050 square feet, while the lot on the property is just under 5,000 square feet. The current owner purchased the home for roughly $66,000 Odelson said. The home was renovated this year before going on the market.
“It was on the market for $199,000 and then Pope Leo was made pope, and he took it off the market. And then there was silence,” Odelson explained.
The reserve price is $250,000, according to the Paramount Realty USA auction website, where the home is listed for sale.
Pope Leo XIV holds the Mass the formal inauguration of his grip in Santa Pierre Square. He was assisted through the heads of state, royalty and the ordinary faithful, Sunday, May 18, 2025. (Alessandra Tarantino)
“Born Robert Francis Prevost, Pope Leo XIV entered history as the first American Pope in his elections in May 2025. His space of years of training is presented for sale through a personal auction”, the description of the states of origin. “Located in a suburb of Chicago, Illinois, this modest brick space has belonged to the Circle of Premost relatives for almost 50 years and served as a basis for a life that would lead to the Vatican. “
The rules will be accepted until June 18, according to the list. However, Odelson approached a letter to Misha Haghani, the CEO and founder of Paramount Realty USA, who said he could block the sale before reaching the auction block.
“Please tell all possible buyers that your” acquiring “can be transitional since the village intends to start the eminent domain procedure,” he wrote.
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Fox News Digital contacted Paramount Realty USA.
Louis Casiano is a journalist of Fox News Digital. The story can be sent to Louis. casiano@fox. com.