False Bomb Threat at Pope Leo XIV's Brother's Illinois Home

New Lenox, Illinois police investigated a bomb threat reported at the home of John Prevost, brother of Pope Leo XIV, on Wednesday evening, determining after a thorough search that no explosives or hazardous materials were present.

Authorities received the call around 6:29 p.m. at Prevost's residence on Sojourn Road in this suburb south of Chicago. Officers established a perimeter, evacuated nearby homes as a precaution and deployed bomb-sniffing dogs to scour the property and surrounding area. The search concluded without incident, and residents were allowed to return home shortly after. No injuries occurred.

"The threat was unsubstantiated," the New Lenox Police Department stated. Investigators are working to identify the source of the false report, noting that such actions constitute a serious offense that could lead to criminal charges. The department thanked the community for its cooperation and urged anyone with information to contact them at 815-485-2500 or submit an anonymous tip via the village website.

Prevost, one of the pope's older brothers, resides in Illinois, while another brother, Louis Prevost, lives in Florida. The incident occurred amid heightened public...