From Ruins to Legacy:
Saving Pope Leo's Boyhood Church
Vision for Restoration
Step into the future of Pope Leo XIV’s childhood church and school in the ‘Vision for Restoration’ gallery. These architectural renders depict the historic St. Mary of the Assumption campus beautifully renewed — from the preserved brick façade and Virgin Mary statue to the bright, modern 13,594 sq ft education wing ready for hands-on workforce training. Together, they illustrate our dream of turning a landmark of history into a lasting beacon of hope and opportunity for Riverdale.
Ryan James, IL
"Sad to see the graffiti on the alter wall I was an alter boy for years and stood on that alter I sure hope someone will fix the church and bring it back to life."
Joe Caballero, IL
"Wow so many memories as a kid growing up there my family the Zamora family all my aunts an uncles my mom went to school there and grandparents worked there a lot of my cousins were baptized there just so many family memories."
Carol Brandt, IL
"My Mom and Uncles all went there Baptized, Communion, Confirmation, and so were my brothers and I all of the above plus I was married there also. Would love to see St. Mary’s come back to life the way it should be."
Pope Leo XIV Legacy Campaign: Phase 1
Wondering exactly where your gift will go?
Every dollar donated supports the sacred restoration of Pope Leo XIV’s boyhood church and school campus. View the complete $1,757,600 Phase 1 Budget with full line-item details — including roof and masonry repairs, historic Oratory restoration, essential infrastructure upgrades, and more.
This transparent breakdown shows how we plan to make the entire site weather-tight and code-compliant by January 2027.
Make a donation
Every gift to the Pope Leo XIV Legacy Campaign goes directly to Phase 1 restoration of the historic St. Mary of the Assumption church and school campus — Pope Leo XIV’s boyhood parish.
Your support will help make the entire site weather-tight, restore the sacred historic Oratory, upgrade essential infrastructure, and preserve this meaningful South Side landmark by January 2027.
Whether you are moved by faith and legacy, historic preservation, or community revitalization, your contribution honors the past while building a stronger future for Riverdale.
Every dollar is fully tax-deductible.
See the full $1,757,600 Phase 1 Budget Breakdown →
Restore the legacy. Preserve the sacred. Honor the history.
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