The church is in the spotlight.
A historic preservation organization is advocating for Chicago’s St. Mary of the Assumption church, where the newly elected Pope Leo XIV spent his childhood, to be officially recognized as a city landmark. The church, which closed in 2011 due to dwindling attendance, has since deteriorated.
Preservation Chicago recently submitted a proposal to city officials to have the church, its parish school, and associated buildings restored. The group also presented their case to the Program Committee of the Commission on Chicago Landmarks last Friday. Ward Miller, executive director of Preservation Chicago, told The Christian Post that while no immediate decision was made, city officials will review the materials and may follow up if they decide to proceed with landmark designation.
Miller emphasized the historical significance of the church and school, stating they hold importance not only for Chicago but also on a global scale. He highlighted the site’s potential as a future pilgrimage destination and a key component of heritage tourism. Miller also noted that restoring the property could benefit the Riverdale neighborhood, an area that has faced economic decline and population loss over the past several decades.
He added that the church and school’s location on the city’s outskirts could help attract visitors and revive interest in an often overlooked part of Chicago with a rich historical legacy. The election of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as Pope Leo XIV—the first U.S.-born pope—has drawn renewed attention to his early years in the Chicago area.
Since the announcement of his election, there has been an increase in visitors to the pope’s childhood home in Dolton, a suburb near Chicago. One local resident shared with Block Club Chicago that passing by the home brought an emotional response, reflecting the pride and excitement the community feels over the pope’s connection to their neighborhood.