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                                                                      Exhibit 23


                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Annual Report (Form 10-K)
of St. Paul Bancorp, Inc. of our report dated January 17, 1997 included in the
1996 Annual Report to Shareholders of St. Paul Bancorp, Inc.

We also consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement
(Form S-8 No. 33-11890) pertaining to the St. Paul Federal Bank For Savings
Profit Sharing and Savings Plan and the Registration Statement (Form S-8 No.
33-60609) pertaining to the St. Paul Bancorp, Inc. 1995 Incentive Plan of our
report dated January 17, 1997, with respect to the consolidated financial
statements of St. Paul Bancorp, Inc.  incorporated by reference in the Annual
Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 1996.



                                               Ernst & Young LLP

March 27, 1997
Chicago, Illinois