A hoax bomb threat targeted the Chicago-area home of Pope Leo XIV’s brother just days after President Trump’s pointed Truth Social criticism of the pontiff’s weak stance on crime and foreign policy. Incident Details New Lenox Police Department received a bomb threat report at 6:29 p.m. CT on April 15, 2026, targeting a private residence on Sojourn Road. Officers established a perimeter and evacuated nearby homes out of caution. Will County Sheriff’s Office deployed K9 explosive-detection units for a thorough search. Investigators cleared the scene that evening after confirming no explosives or hazardous materials. John Prevost, brother of Pope Leo XIV, resides at the address per public records. No injuries occurred, and residents returned home. Trump-Pope Tensions Provide Context President Trump posted on Truth Social days before the threat, deriding Pope Leo XIV as “weak on crime” and “terrible for foreign policy.” Trump praised the Pope’s other brother, Louis in Florida, as a supporter. The Pope had criticized U.S.-led wars in Iran and Lebanon, fueling public U.S.-Vatican friction. Sources confirm no evidence links the hoax to Trump’s rhetoric. Police Chief Micah Nuesse emphasized the independent local investigation. This backdrop amplifies national attention on a suburban incident, underscoring divides over strong foreign policy and law enforcement. Police Response and Investigation Chief Micah Nuesse’s department posted on Facebook that the threat proved unsubstantiated. On April 16, Nuesse told EWTN News the probe remains active with no new updates or suspects named. The threat arrived via email to New Lenox PD and Will County Sheriff’s Office. Hoax bomb reports constitute felonies in Illinois, with charges likely upon identifying the perpetrator. Authorities urge tips via hotline 815-485-2500 or the village website. Officers continue monitoring the area for safety. Community and Broader Impacts The quiet New Lenox suburb, 40 miles southwest of Chicago, faced brief disruption from evacuations and police presence. John Prevost and family endured direct trauma, while neighbors experienced anxiety. Short-term costs involve response resources; long-term, papal relatives may require enhanced security. Politically, the timing spotlights Trump administration priorities like robust defense against Iran and Lebanon threats, contrasting the Pope’s objections. Catholic communities watch amid ongoing rhetoric, though no policy changes emerge. Police stress hoax deterrence to protect communities from such crimes. Sources: Police reveal bomb threat at Chicago-area home of Pope Leo XIV’s brother Pope Leo’s brother receives unfounded bomb threat, New Lenox police say Police investigate bomb threat at Pope Leo brother’s home Bomb threat at home of Pope Leo’s brother in Chicago suburb False bomb threat made at suburban Chicago home of Pope Leo’s brother