New pope's childhood home draws crowds, hope in south suburban Dolton

New pope pandemonium takes over south suburban Dolton

The pope's election introduced the world to Dolton, the south suburb, now a tourist destination.

DOLTON, Ill. - While Pope Leo was born in Chicago, he grew up in south suburban Dolton and the home he spent his early years in has become somewhat of a spectacle.

"We came from Louisville today and came straight here so we could see it," said Adele Ryan.

Ryan was among scores of faithful Catholics making a pilgrimage of sorts to see the humble brick home in the south suburb.

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Some took pictures and selfies in front of the pope’s boyhood home, while others simply wanted to touch it.

"This is a picture of us, Jim and Chris, at the pope's childhood home. This is fantastic," said Christie Raymond, who visited the home on Friday. "It’s just an ordinary neighborhood. Here in the United States. And we’re familiar with this area. I taught in South Holland for many years."

"We wanted to have a connection with the pope," Jim Raymond added. "Even though it’s distant. We feel like the pope is here with us and all the other people that are here."

Next-door neighbor Donna Sagna enhanced the holy mood by playing religious music on speaker.

"I’m just excited about what the future of Dolton is. This is holy ground I think," Sagna said.

Indeed, it’s a welcome change of pace for this embattled suburb, known more for chaos than Christ.

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Until Thursday, Dolton‘s most famous resident was combustible former Mayor Tiffany Henyard, who was just voted out of office and remains at the center of a federal corruption investigation.

"We have went through four years of turmoil. So to have a new mayor, a new administration that are all on the same page. And then to get the news that the pope lived in our community. This is nothing but God. God has orchestrated all of this," said Deborah White, Dolton minister.

At Olivia‘s restaurant in Dolton, customers still can’t believe the new pope is a hometown hero.

"I thought that was pretty divine actually. I think it’s a testament to the people of Dolton and the community itself to produce something as prominent as that," said Michael Anderson.

So how big a deal is this? We ran into Will Pavia, a reporter for the Times of London.

"It’s the most extraordinary thing. That you have an American pope now. Comes from Chicago. Likes deep dish pizza. Supports the White Sox. It’s amazing. That’s why I’m here," said Pavia.

‘Wrong house’: People keep mistaking Dolton neighbor's home for Pope Leo XIV's childhood residence

Crowds have flocked to south suburban Dolton to get a peek at the childhood home of Pope Leo XIV. The problem is, they're going to the wrong house.

What's next:

As for the future of this now-famous block, new Dolton Mayor Jason House says they’ll likely change the street name to honor the pope and there’s already talk of turning the house into a historical site.

"We’ve talked to our attorneys and we’re considering whether we can use eminent domain to acquire the property. Make sure we pay a fair value for it. And make it into a historic landmark, similar to what Gary has done with Michael Jackson’s house," Mayor House said.