A bomb threat was received at the home of the brother of Pope Leo XIV Wednesday night, the New Lenox Police Department in Illinois confirmed.
The department issued a statement acknowledging the threat at the home, but it was determined to be unsubstantiated.
No injuries were reported and residents in the area have been allowed to return to their homes after evacuating. Bomb-sniffing K-9s were used in the search.
The pope has two brothers — John Prevost and Louis Prevost. The Hill did not stated which brother’s home was threatened.
“The incident remains under investigation as authorities work to determine the origin of the report,” police said. “Making false reports of this nature is a serious offense and may result in criminal charges.”
“The New Lenox Police Department thanks the community for its cooperation and patience during the investigation. Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact the NLPD at 815-485-2500 or submit an anonymous tip through the Village of New Lenox website @ Form Center • Submit a Crime Tip,” they wrote.
Earlier this week, President Donald Trump praised Louis Prevost in a Truth Social post where he also criticized Pope Leo XIV’s comments against the U.S. conflict in Iran, and the need for peace.
“Louis is all MAGA. He gets it, and Leo doesn’t!” Trump said in the post. “I don’t want a Pope who thinks it’s OK for Iran to have a Nuclear Weapon.”
