Several months after purchasing the residence, Dolton officials have designated the childhood home of Pope Leo XIV as an Official Historical Landmark.

The designation of the property, located in the 200 block of East 141st Place, was officially announced on Tuesday, more than four months after the village closed on a direct purchase of the home.
“This is a moment that will be remembered for generations,” said Mayor Jason House in a statement. “Dolton is now forever imprinted on the world stage. Preserving Pope Leo XIV’s childhood home is not just about honoring history, it’s about protecting a symbol of hope, faith, and the extraordinary potential found in everyday American communities.”

According to Dolton officials, the home was purchased by Pope Leo XIV’s family in 1949, and was where he spent his formative years before joining the priesthood.

The village says thousands of tourists have visited the community since the pope’s election.

According to a press release, the village will seek to establish a task force to pursue grants and donations to preserve the site, and will look to make the home “a lasting educational and inspirational resource” for visitors.

The village purchased the home in mid-July,