How Pope Leo's childhood home 'became drug den' following the death of his parents - and why its current owner feels like he has just won the lottery
The price of the newly elected Pope's modest childhood home is set to 'skyrocket', The Mail on Sunday has learned.The three-bedroom brick bungalow in Dolton, Chicago, had been put on the market for $245,957 (£184,000) on May 5.
But it was immediately removed again once Cardinal Robert Prevost, 69, was appointed Pope Leo XIV on Thursday.
The owner of the property described the situation as better than winning the lottery.
The first American Pope in history lived in the house for two decades with his father Louis, a teacher, and librarian mother Mildred and two brothers.
The family is believed to have sold the property after the death of the Chicago-born Pope's parents. Mildred died in 1990 and Louis in 1997.
When the MoS visited the house this week neighbours said the property had fallen into disrepair and had been used as a drug den by previous owners.
Donna Sagna, 50, who lives next door, said: 'The last couple of years I was pulling my hair out. One family was selling drugs right here and then a second family moved in and there was a lot of violence and fighting and shooting.
The owner of the property described the situation as better than winning the lottery.
The first American Pope in history lived in the house for two decades with his father Louis, a teacher, and librarian mother Mildred and two brothers.
The family is believed to have sold the property after the death of the Chicago-born Pope's parents. Mildred died in 1990 and Louis in 1997.
When the MoS visited the house this week neighbours said the property had fallen into disrepair and had been used as a drug den by previous owners.
Donna Sagna, 50, who lives next door, said: 'The last couple of years I was pulling my hair out. One family was selling drugs right here and then a second family moved in and there was a lot of violence and fighting and shooting.
'I was really sad and upset. I prayed and prayed because my house got broken into. This is just a beautiful time for us.'
Estate agent Steve Budzik said the home's owner, who wishes to remain anonymous, was at a doctor's appointment with his pregnant wife when the Pope's appointment was announced.
Mr Budzik said: 'He was like, 'This is great. This is better than winning a lotto ticket'.
'I say one in a million [chance of this happening] but it's more in the billions. You'd have a better chance of winning the lotto.'
The owner, an electrician, purchased the property in May 2024 for $66,000 (£50,000) and carried out extensive renovations.
An earlier buyer had made a $219,000 (£165,000) offer in April but backed out.
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Now for my autistic take. This is a momentous occasion in the history of the United States. An American has become the Bishop of Rome. My protestant ass can't help but feel the magic. And the fact hundreds of people are now swarming Dolton, Illinois says I am not alone. The United States needs to secure the house as a national park under the authority of the US Department of the Interior. This place cannot be a drug den, or allowed to fall into disrepair. The honor of America is now invested in it.
