Bomb Threat Hits Pope Leo XIV’s Brother’s Home Days After Public Clash With President Trump

Pope Leo XIV’s family found themselves in a scary situation after police confirmed a bomb threat had occurred at his brother John Prevost’s home in New Lenox, Illinois.

NBC Chicago reported the news on Thursday, April 16, and a statement from the New Lenox Police Department stated that authorities responded to the scene of a bomb threat at the person’s home the night prior.

“Upon receiving the report, officers were immediately dispatched to the scene and established a secure perimeter to ensure the safety of nearby residents,” a message from the New Lenox Police Department read via Facebook on Wednesday, April 15.

They added, “Out of an abundance of caution, surrounding homes were notified, and asked to evacuate. Specialized units, including the Will County Sheriff’s Office explosive detection K9 were requested to assist in the investigation. A thorough search of the residence and surrounding property was conducted.”

Authorities went on to state that investigators “determined that the threat was unsubstantiated” and that “no explosive devices or hazardous materials were present.”

However, the situation “remains under investigation as authorities work to determine the origin of the report.”

The incident came just days after President Donald Trump slammed Leo, 70, for being “weak on crime” after the religious figure criticized the United States’ war with Iran.

“I don’t want a Pope who criticizes the President of the United States because I’m doing exactly what I was elected, IN A LANDSLIDE, to do, setting Record Low Numbers in Crime, and creating the Greatest Stock Market in History,” Trump, 79, wrote in a post shared via Truth Social on Sunday, April 12.

Leo later responded to Trump’s social media rant by telling reporters, “I have no fear of the Trump administration, or speaking out loudly of the message of the Gospel, which is what I believe I am here to do.”