Chicago’s New “Worst” Neighborhood Is Near Pope Leo’s Childhood Home

My hope is that the following news is a source of inspiration and not one of snark. There's a new worst neighborhood in Chicago, Illinois which is not in itself good news, but there is hope as it is just steps away from Pope Leo's childhood home. I probably should explain.

Does this neighborhood in Chicago look familiar to you?

This is Riverdale which was just named by Roadsnacks as the worst neighborhood in the Chicago area for a lot of very valid reasons. Unemployment is sky high. Home values are low while violent and property crime is terrifyingly common. Many families exist on less than $20,000 per year and that's for a household of 4 or more in some cases. If the school of hard knocks was real, it would be here. There's something I want you to know about Riverdale, though. Look what is right on the outskirts of this tough neighborhood.

That is Pope Leo's childhood home quite literally steps away from one of Chicago's most dangerous places. What's the point? If the Pope can spend his formative years next to a neighborhood like this, that should inspire anyone that calls this part of Chicago home that they can also rise above the challenges in front of them. Let's hope the families that have to face life here every day can overcome the sometimes awful circumstances just like the Pope did.