Key Points Summary: Pope Birthplace for sale

• Childhood home of Pope Leo XIV pulled from market overnight
• Owner Pawel Radzik planned to sell for $200K before realizing its value
• House is in Dolton, Illinois, where Pope Leo grew up
• Four offers came in after Pope’s election was announced
• The 1,200 sq ft home was once linked to drug activity
• Neighbors hope it becomes a landmark or prayer site
• Owner now weighing price hike or turning it into museum

Pope Birthplace for Sale: Illinois Home Sparks Frenzy

A simple brick house in suburban Chicago has suddenly become one of America’s hottest properties.

The reason? It’s the childhood home of Pope Leo XIV — and the current owner yanked it off the market just hours after the world learned of its holy connection.

$200K Listing Becomes Real Estate Gold

Pawel Radzik, a 36-year-old property flipper, was about to sell the five-bedroom, two-bathroom house in Dolton, Illinois, for just $200,000. But after his realtor broke the news that newly elected Pope Leo XIV once lived there, everything changed.

“I thought he was joking,” Radzik said. “Now I’m excited. I’m lucky to have it.”

Real estate agent Steve Budzik told The Post, “It’s like a winning lottery ticket.”

Offers Flood In Overnight

Just hours after Chicago native Robert Prevost became the first American-born pope, Radzik received four offers on the home. He’s now considering turning it into a museum or historic landmark.

Radzik, who immigrated from Poland in 2006, said he learned about the house’s famous past during a doctor’s visit with his pregnant wife.

Despite fully renovating the interior, Radzik plans to raise the price significantly or keep the property for now.

From Drug House to Holy Site?

Neighbors say the modest 1,200-square-foot home had a rough patch, being occupied by drug dealers in 2017 and 2018. One resident said, “There was a lot of violence. We prayed and prayed.”

Now, the community hopes the pope’s legacy can change that. Donna Sagna-Davis, a next-door neighbor, wants the home to become a spiritual destination.

“This is going to make the area even better,” she said. “Let it be a place for prayer.”

Walls Hold the Past, Price Climbs Fast

The pope’s family bought the home in 1949, paying just $42 per month. Today, it’s worth far more — especially since Radzik only paid $66,000 for it six months ago.

Although the layout has been modernized, with new floors and extra bedrooms added, the original walls still stand.

Papal Property Draws Big Interest

The home is located at 212 E. 141st Place in Dolton, just blocks from local shops like Andy’s Hot Dogs and Chuck’s Gun Shop.

Media crews gathered outside Friday as Radzik cleaned the yard, hinting he’s not rushing any sale just yet.

“I’m going to keep it for now,” he said. “It feels like fate.”