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Police Clear Reported Bomb Threat at Illinois Home Tied to Pope Leo XIV's Brother

Investigators now seek the caller's identity, with possible hoax charges pending.

Overview

  • New Lenox police responded Wednesday evening to a reported bomb threat at a Sojourn Road residence, set a perimeter, and evacuated nearby homes.
  • Explosive-detection teams, including a Will County K-9 unit, searched the property and found no devices or hazardous materials, and residents later returned.
  • Local outlets report the house is the home of John Prevost, a brother of Pope Leo XIV, a detail officials have not linked to a motive.
  • Authorities said no motive has been established, though the incident follows recent criticism of the pope by President Donald Trump that also referenced his brother Louis.
  • The department warned that false bomb reports are crimes that could lead to charges, a stance that underscores risks for relatives of high-profile figures and may prompt added security checks.