A report has emerged that the childhood home of the new Pope Leo XIV, located in Dalton, south of Chicago, Illinois, USA, was put up for sale but withdrawn after the conclave (the secret meeting of cardinals).
According to American media such as Business Insider on the 10th (local time), the house near Chicago, Illinois, was listed for sale at $199,000 (about 270 million KRW), but the owner decided to withdraw it after consideration.
The property, which received consistent interest about once or twice a week, saw a surge in inquiries with 7-8 offers to buy after it was revealed that this is where the new pope spent his childhood, resulting in a flood of interest since the morning of the 8th.
Real estate agent Steve Burdzik, who handled the listing, said the owner was unaware that this was the childhood home of the pope. He recalled that the owner was astonished, exclaiming “Wow,” and said it was more spectacular than winning the lottery, adding that both of them were surprised and honored.
The house is a brick home built in 1959, with three bedrooms and two bathrooms, covering an area of 111.4 square meters. According to the online real estate platform Zillow, the current owner purchased this house last May for $66,000 (about 9.2 million KRW). It was re-listed in January for $205,000 (about 280 million KRW) and then the price was reduced to $199,000.
Agent Burdzik mentioned that the owner might continue to own the house but is also considering converting it into a museum commemorating Pope Leo XIV or a rental space for people to stay. They are also thinking about consulting Leo XIV’s brother, who still resides in Illinois.
In Chicago, Leo XIV’s hometown, there is an outpouring of excitement and joy as he became the first American elected as pope. The famous Chicago hot dog stand “Wiener’s Circle” even displayed a sign in Latin reading “He ate our hot dogs” (Canes Nostros Ipse Comedit), according to Business Insider.