Pope Leo XIV’s childhood church in Chicago faces devastation, yet hope for its revitalization emerges amid its rich history.
At a Glance
- Pope Leo XIV’s childhood church is located in Riverdale, Chicago.
- The church has been vacant since 2011 and is in disrepair.
- Current owner Joe Hall aims to transform the property into a community center.
- Foreclosure looms due to Hall’s financial challenges.
- Efforts focus on preserving the historic stained glass windows.
The Historic Roots of St. Mary of the Assumption
St. Mary of the Assumption Church, built in 1957, holds significant historical and cultural importance as Pope Leo XIV’s childhood church. Situated in Chicago’s Riverdale neighborhood, the church was a spiritual and educational sanctuary for young Leo, who was born in Chicago in 1955. He and his two brothers spent much of their formative years in Dolton, attending Mass and school at this very church. However, since its last service in 2011, St. Mary stands vacant, ravaged by neglect and vandalism.
As of today, the structure shows visible signs of damage, including a leaky roof and structural degradation. The stained glass windows, remnants of its past glory, remain one of the few preserved aspects. This decay has prompted community members and preservationists to rally for its restoration, seeing the church not only as a relic of the past but as a beacon of future communal benefit.
Ownership, Financing, and Preservation Challenges
Joe Hall, a DJ and businessman, acquired St. Mary in 2020 with ambitious plans to convert it into a hub for workforce education and social services. However, faced with financial hurdles, Hall defaulted on mortgage repayments, leading to looming foreclosure. Hall estimates restoration costs to be between $800,000 to $900,000, which includes plans for a food pantry dedicated to Pope Leo. Despite these challenges, ongoing negotiations with local congregations aim to revitalize the church’s religious significance.
“We originally bought it [for our] workforce education program” – Joe Hall.
The financial strain is compounded by the property’s historical value, attracting interest from parties advocating for its landmark designation. Such a status would protect the church while enabling repurposing initiatives to serve the community. Hall remains committed to preserving its legacy, engaged in discussions to sustain its historical relevance and purpose through transformation.
The Future of St. Mary of the Assumption
With St. Mary of the Assumption’s historic ties and key location, efforts intensify to save the church from decay. Advocates point to its potential as an inspirational community space, elevating its cultural heritage while addressing contemporary communal needs. The church’s preservation efforts emphasize the importance of maintaining its original character alongside modern rehabilitation projects. Successfully repurposing St. Mary into a vibrant community resource could set a benchmark for similar historical conservation cases nationwide.
“is in such a state of poor repair that it is not safe to use.” – Cardinal Francis George.
While financial and structural uncertainties persist, the support garnered from the community and the church’s pope-related heritage invigorate these restoration efforts. As stakeholders collaborate on a vision for its future, only time will tell if St. Mary can rise once more as a paragon of both spiritual reverence and community service.
