The property previously inhabited by Pope Leo XIV during his childhood has been removed from sale.
Cracking open a Pandora's box in Illinois!
A ordinary-looking, three-bedroom abode in Illinois, that recently hit the market, has magnetized a global storm of curiosity. This humble dwelling, where Pope Leo XIV, formerly known as Robert Prevost, grew up, was initially listed for $199,000 (roughly 177,000 euros), but has been yanked off the market, leaving everyone puzzled about the next move.
More often than not, the news of a plain-Jane, brick house with three bedrooms and two bathrooms, built in 1959, outside of Chicago wouldn't merit headlines. But this 111 square meter house has stolen the limelight because of its extraordinary past tenant—Pope Leo XIV.
According to Zillow, the house was last sold in May 2024 for $66,000 (approximately 59,000 euros). Later, it was relisted in January for $205,000 (nearly 182,000 euros), before being reduced to $199,000 (or 177,000 euros).
Real Estate Agent: In Shock and Awe
Steve Budzik, the real estate agent working with the house's owner, disclosed that they were blown away by the house's history. "He said, 'Wow'," Budzik shared, referring to the owner, Paul Radzik. "That's better than winning the lottery. We were both very surprised and felt honored. There were so many emotions at once."
Budzik revealed that the house had been receiving regular interest, with one to two viewings per week. However, the media frenzy surrounding the first American pope has intensified the spotlight, leading to multiple offers.
A Flood of Offers
"Since yesterday, around ten o'clock, my client and I have received seven to eight offers," Budzik said. "We've taken the listing off the market, so there were no viewings, but if we had left it on, it would have likely been booked all day."
The owner has decided to take the house off the market while they weigh their options. "It's like a collector's car, there's only one of them," Budzik stated.
Budzik speculated that the owner might keep the house, but is contemplating other options, such as transforming it into a museum dedicated to Pope Leo XIV or a rental property where fans can stay.
"Every day, people are coming to us with their own ideas, so we're just waiting, checking everything out, and we'll have a plan in the next few weeks," he added.
Seeking the Pope's Brother's Opinion
In an interview with BI, Budzik shed light on the owner's plans to seek the opinion of Pope Leo XIV's brother, who resides in Illinois.
Proud of their hometown, Leo XIV's Weiner's Circle, a renowned hot dog stand, has put up a Latin sign that reads: "He ate our dogs."
Ties with the Recently-Elected Pope Leo XIV
Frank Calabrese, a 37-year-old Chicago native and history aficionado, was among the first to uncover the house's intriguing past. As a tax assessor, Calabrese knew exactly where to look for information. He searched local tax records and found the deed listing the pope's father's name.
"It's peculiar to feel a personal connection to the pope," Calabrese revealed in an interview with BI.
- What's surprising is that the real estate agent, Steve Budzik, shared that the owner, Paul Radzik, said "Wow" when they discovered the house's extraordinary history, as if finding out about it was better than winning the lottery.
- Given the media frenzy surrounding Pope Leo XIV's former house, the real estate agent, Steve Budzik, stated that they have received seven to eight offers since yesterday, leading them to take the listing off the market temporarily.
- Contemplating various options, the owner might keep the house, but they're also considering transforming it into a museum dedicated to Pope Leo XIV or a rental property where fans can stay.
- To make an informed decision, the owner plans to seek the opinion of Pope Leo XIV's brother, who resides in Illinois, suggesting a possible family involvement in the future plans for the house.
