Your support helps us to tell the story
Read more
Support Now
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.
Read more
The Chicago suburb where Pope Leo XIV spent his formative years celebrated his 70th birthday on Sunday with a community gathering.
Outside his modest boyhood home in Dolton, a small crowd marked the occasion with gospel music and a balloon release. Born Robert Prevost in Chicago in 1955, some 32 kilometres away, the pontiff's milestone was honoured in his childhood village.
“It’s a good time for the community to come together,” said Village President Jason House. “It shows that great people come out of the village of Dolton.”
The village purchased the house in July in hopes of boosting tourism and claiming a piece of papal history of the first American pope. They’re also trying to drum up a positive message about the community where there’s been political turmoil in recent years, including misspending allegations surrounding a previous mayor.
Village officials said they tried to contact the pope but did not hear back.
RECOMMENDED
Trump administration considering website to help Americans buy cheaper medications
Undo
Watch live: Donald Trump makes autism announcement
Undo
New Electric Cars Are So Cheap Now (Take A Look)FrequentSearches | Search Ads |
Undo
Nopal Cactus: What Few People Know About Blood Sugar [Watch Here]Glucose Control |
Undo
Powered by TaboolaPowered by Taboola
open image in gallery
Pope Leo XIV's childhood home is seen May 9, 2025, in Dolton, Ill. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley, File)(Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)
When he was elected in May at age 69, he was the youngest pope since 1978, when Karol Wojtyla was elected Pope John Paul II at age 58. Leo has dual U.S. and Peruvian citizenship given his 20 years of missionary experience in Peru.
His birthday was celebrated at the Vatican during his traditional noon blessing, where he saw “Happy birthday” banners, in English, Italian and Spanish and balloons held up by those gathered in St. Peter’s Square.
In Illinois, photographs of him as a child and as pope were displayed outside the three-bedroom house in the suburb south of Chicago.
Leo’s family lived there until the mid-1990s, witnessing big demographic changes over the years. Once a town of a few thousand where most residents were white, Dolton is now a community of roughly 20,000 where most residents are Black.
Attendees prayed for the pope's health and leadership. There was an a cappella rendition of the gospel hit “Break Every Chain,” along with the Stevie Wonder version of “Happy Birthday.” Silver balloons in the shape of stars were released into the sky.
“We hope people feel welcome,” House said.