Pope Leo XIV childhood house has become 'lottery ticket' for property broker. How much price was he asking earlier for sale

The appointment of Robert Prevost as Pope Leo XIV—the first American ever to lead the Catholic Church—has not only made headlines globally but also sent shockwaves through the Chicago real estate scene. A modest brick house in the suburb of Dolton, Illinois, where the newly appointed pope once lived as a child, has suddenly become a hot property.

According to the New York Post, Pawel Radzik, a Polish-American property investor, had listed the five-bedroom, two-bathroom home for around $200,000 (Rs 1.70 crore approx) after renovating it. The house had sat on the market for over 100 days with little interest—until Thursday, when the news broke that Prevost had become pope. Radzik, unaware of the home’s papal connection, was stunned to learn of its historical significance during a routine doctor’s visit with his pregnant wife.

The 1,200-square-foot home, originally purchased by Prevost’s family in 1949 with a $42 monthly mortgage, had changed hands several times over the decades. Neighbours say it was even occupied by drug dealers for a period between 2017 and 2018, before Radzik bought and restored it.


Following the pope’s appointment, Radzik reportedly received four offers overnight and has since pulled the listing to reassess its now sky-high value. His Realtor, Steve Budzik, told The New York Post that the discovery is comparable to a "winning lottery ticket." The homeowner is now considering options ranging from relisting the property at a higher price to converting it into a museum or historic landmark.

About the new Pope

Cardinal Robert Prevost, a longtime missionary with deep ties to Latin America, was elected as the new leader of the Catholic Church, becoming the first American to ascend to the papacy. He has taken the name Pope Leo XIV. Originally from Chicago, the 69-year-old cleric has spent much of his religious career in Peru, where he also holds dual citizenship. His election came as a surprise to many, given that he was made a cardinal only in 2023 and has maintained a relatively low public profile. Known for his quiet demeanor and aversion to the spotlight, Pope Leo XIV appeared before a large crowd at St. Peter's Basilica after the traditional white smoke signaled his selection by the 133 cardinal electors.

He succeeds Pope Francis, who passed away last month, and steps into the role with a background rooted in missionary work, a global perspective, and a strong connection to both North and South America.