Expropriation showdown looms for former pope's home

• Paweł Radzik, the Polish owner of the house in Dolton, bought the property in 2024 for around $66,000 (€58,000). After renovations, he tried to sell it for approximately $200,000 (€176,000), and later for roughly $220,000 (€195,000).
• The value of the house increased after Robert Prevost was chosen as pope, prompting Radzik to withdraw the sale offer. Currently, the starting price at the auction is about $250,000 (€220,000).
• The authorities of Dolton and the Archdiocese of Chicago want to turn the house into a museum. If negotiations with the owner fail, they are considering expropriation.

Paweł Radzik, the Polish owner of the house in Dolton on the outskirts of Chicago, found himself in the spotlight after it was discovered that Pope Leo XIV had lived in his property. The value of the house increased, and Radzik withdrew the sale offer, setting a new price at around $250,000 (€220,000). However, the city authorities of Dolton and the Archdiocese of Chicago have different plans. They want the building to become a museum dedicated to the first American pope.

The lawyer representing the city of Dolton, Burt Odelson, announced that the authorities would do everything to acquire the property.

Odelson, quoted by the Chicago Tribune, explained that efforts were made to negotiate with the owner, but the asking price was too high. As a result, the town will attempt to negotiate directly with the auction house or, as outlined in a letter sent to the auction house, proceed with expropriation, which is within the municipality’s legal rights.

As Odelson adds, the city authorities have the right to expropriate the property at market price if it is allocated for public purposes.

The final decision regarding the purchase or expropriation lies with Mayor Jason House and the Archdiocese of Chicago. The city authorities also warn potential buyers to consider the possibility of expropriation.