Latest news with #luxuryauction
Daily Mail
16-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Surprising reason why Pope Leo's childhood home is up for sale in 'luxury auction'
If your current home is lacking a touch of the Catholic spirit, then this listing may be your dream come true. Newly-elected Pope Leo's childhood home in Chicago is up for sale via a 'luxury private auction,' with a reserve price of $250,000 and an auction date set for June 18. The humble abode, located in the suburb of Dolton, was taken off the market after Cardinal Robert Prevost's election last week, but as per the Zillow listing, the childhood home of Pope Leo XIV is up for sale once again - presumably in a bid to cash in on his election. Touted as a 'Piece of Papal History,' the home has been described as a 'truly one-of-a-kind opportunity.' 'This beautifully updated home isn't just a charming three-bedroom, three-bathroom residence... It's the childhood home of Pope Leo XIV, the first American Pope in history,' the description reads. It then goes on to tell the backstory of the single-story home, tempting potential buyers with the 'rare chance to own a tangible piece of his inspiring legacy.' 'Born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago and raised right here in Dolton, Pope Leo XIV's journey from this humble neighborhood to the Vatican is a testament to faith, perseverance, and purpose,' the listing relayed. Pope Leo's home features a freshly renovated interior, but still offers a 'modern touch while maintaining its original character.' 'With three generously sized bedrooms and full bathrooms on both the main and upper levels, the layout is both functional and inviting,' it continued. 'A touch of personalization to the exterior and landscape will unlock this home's full potential. 'The spacious backyard provides the perfect setting for outdoor relaxation, gatherings, or creative landscaping projects. Whether you're a homeowner searching for a meaningful space to call your own or an investor looking for a property with historical significance and high potential, this is an opportunity like no other.' The 69-year-old, who is 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. The brick bungalow was put on the market for $245,957 on May 5, but was immediately removed again once the Pope was appointed. 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. 'He was like, "This is great. This is better than winning a lotto ticket,"' Budzik said. '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 and carried out extensive renovations. According to neighbors, the home had fallen into disrepair and had been used as a drug den by previous owners. '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,' Donna Sagna, 50, who lives next door, previously told The Mail on Sunday. An earlier buyer had made a $219,000 offer in April but backed out. One neighbor said the price of the home 'will skyrocket' after the Chicago native's appointment. 'It must be worth at least double now, if not more,' she said. 'Hopefully this will be good for all of us. This isn't a great area so we needed this.'
Bloomberg
16-05-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
Pope Leo's Childhood Home Goes on Sale at $250,000 Starting Bid
The childhood Chicago-area home of Pope Leo XIV is being sold at a luxury auction following a surge of interest sparked by his election last week. The three-bedroom house in Dolton, Illinois — about 20 miles (32 kilometers) south of downtown Chicago — will open bidding at $250,000, according to Paramount Realty USA, the firm managing the sale.
