W hat was once an average home in Chicago's south suburbs has now received national attention for being the childhood home of Pope Leo XIV. The Dolton Village Board voted unanimously Tuesday night to take control of the house at 212 E. 142nd Pl. Village leaders called the purchase a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Dolton residents were skeptical at Tuesday's board meeting, questioning whether the financially strained village could afford to purchase the home and maintain the streets surrounding it.

What was once an overlooked property has now become Doltons unexpected lifeline. With Pope Leo XIVs election drawing nationwide interest to his former home, the village sees an opportunity to attract tourism and rebuild its reputation.