Chicagoland Roots
Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost, spent his childhood in the south suburban Village of Dolton, Illinois.
As a young boy, Prevost attended St. Mary of the Assumption Parish and School in nearby Riverdale, where he served as an altar boy, sang in the church choir, and became actively involved in parish life. He also grew up as a fan of the Chicago White Sox and attended game one of the 2005 World Series in Chicago.
In July 2025, following his election to Pope, the Village of Dolton purchased the Provost home in the 200 block of E. 141st Place, preventing it from being sold at auction and ensuring it would remain a community landmark.
Leaders hope to transform the modest brick home into a historic site that will attract pilgrims, tourists, and visitors from around the world while celebrating Dolton’s unique connection to the first American-born pope.
