Pope Leo’s initial church lies in ruins, at risk of being taken over.

Pope Leo’s Childhood Church Faces Uncertain Future

St. Mary’s Church, where Pope Leo once attended as a child, is in disrepair and at risk of foreclosure. Yet, its current owners seem to have a new plan for the property.

This historic church, located in the struggling Riverdale area, includes not just the church itself but also a school, a monastery, and several other buildings, all constructed in 1957.

While concerns about the church’s condition have persisted for some time, interest surged recently after the revelation that the newly appointed Pope frequently attended services there during the 1950s and 1960s.

The Pope, now 69, was born and raised in South Chicago, particularly in Dalton, and he attended services at St. Mary’s as a schoolboy.

Local reports suggest that the last mass held at St. Mary’s was in the summer of 2011. Sadly, the church’s interior, particularly behind the altar, has been marred by graffiti.

The church is also entangled in a legal dispute.

In 2020, the Archdiocese sold the property to real estate investor Joe Hall. His legal team, consisting of Luke Wiley and Verdia Furd, has not responded to inquiries.

Foreclosure notices were filed last June, and legal documents indicate that proceedings are still ongoing.

Mike Doney, from F Street, commented, “There are no comments at this time.”

Hall, who now owns the church, expressed a vision for transforming the site into a hub for Jblendz Enterprises, a nonprofit focused on social services.

“We initially acquired it for our workforce education program,” he shared recently. “I teach solar energy, telecommunications, and run a DJ apprenticeship program. We really needed a campus to accommodate these diverse offerings.”

However, it seems that his plans have shifted slightly following recent developments. On social media, Hall noted that the site would now take on greater significance in light of the Pope’s connection.

“It’s still a church, but we’re going to enhance its importance for the Pope,” he said.

He reflected on the church’s enduring struggle against natural disasters, interpreting these challenges as blessings rather than setbacks.

Hall is already in talks with groups interested in hosting services at the church and hopes to establish a food pantry named after the Pope. He estimates that restoring the campus could cost between $800,000 and $900,000.