Pope Leo XIV’s Outdated Dwelling Close to Chicago Delisted After Flood of Curiosity

Information of a plain, brick, 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom dwelling inbuilt 1959 hitting the market outdoors Chicago would not usually make headlines.

Then the world found that the 1,200-square-foot house is the place Pope Leo XIV, till Thursday often known as Cardinal Robert Prevost, spent his childhood.

In accordance with Zillow, the house was most just lately purchased for $66,000 in Could 2024. It was then flipped and re-listed for $205,000 in January, earlier than being lower to $199,000.

Steve Budzik, an actual property agent working with the house’s proprietor, stated they had been shocked to study the information of the house’s historical past.

“He was like, ‘Wow,'” Budzik stated of proprietor Paul Radzik. “It is higher than successful the lotto. We had been each very stunned and honored. It was a whole lot of feelings.”

Budzik stated the house garnered “regular curiosity” earlier than Thursday, averaging one to 2 viewings per week, however that the fanfare surrounding the primary American pope brightened the highlight.

“Since yesterday, at round 10 o’clock, I’d say my shopper and I’ve acquired seven to eight presents,” Budzik stated. “We took the itemizing off, so there have been no showings, but when we had left it in the marketplace, it might’ve most likely been booked out all day.”

The proprietor has determined to delist the house as they weigh their choices.

“It is like a collectible automotive they solely made one in every of,” Budzik stated.

Budzik stated the proprietor would possibly maintain the house, however is contemplating a number of choices, together with turning it right into a museum honoring Pope Leo XIV or a rental house the place admirers may keep.

“On daily basis persons are reaching out to us with their very own concepts as nicely, so we’re simply going to attend and evaluate every little thing and give you a plan within the subsequent few weeks,” he stated.

Budzik advised BI that the proprietor has additionally thought of reaching out the Pope Leo XIV’s brother, who lives in Illinois, for his ideas.

Hometown pleasure has swelled for Leo XIV. Weiner’s Circle, a celebrated native sizzling canine joint, put up a Latin signal exclaiming: Canes Nostros Ipse Comedit (“He has eaten our canines”).

Chicago resident Frank Calabrese, 37, was among the many first to find the house’s new place in historical past. As a self-professed Chicago historical past nerd, Calabrese began digging round on Thursday to search out out extra in regards to the lifetime of Pope Leo XIV.

As a regulation clerk for property tax instances, he additionally knew precisely the place to look. He searched native tax data and located the deed that listed the Pope’s father’s title.

“It’s unusual to really feel like there is a private connection to the Pope,” Calabrese advised BI.