Authorities in the United States are investigating a bomb threat that was made against the home of John Prevost, the brother of Pope Leo XIV, in the Chicago-area suburb of New Lenox, Illinois. Police confirmed that no explosives or dangerous materials were found after a full search of the property and the surrounding area.
The incident took place on Wednesday evening and quickly led to a police response, including evacuations of nearby homes as a precaution. Officers secured the area and carried out a detailed inspection before concluding that the threat was false.
Local law enforcement said the situation is now being treated as a criminal investigation, with efforts focused on identifying who made the threat and how it was communicated. Officials have not yet released details about the source of the report or whether any suspects have been identified.
According to statements cited by local media, police received information about a possible bomb threat targeting a private residence on the same street where John Prevost lives. After receiving the alert, emergency teams were dispatched immediately to the location.
New Lenox police confirmed that after a thorough examination of the property, they found no evidence of any explosive devices or hazardous materials. Authorities later declared the threat unsubstantiated but said the investigation would continue.
The case has drawn attention partly because of the high-profile nature of the Pope’s family. Pope Leo XIV, who leads the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics, was born in Chicago and has several family members still living in the United States.
The timing of the threat has also raised concern because it comes during a period of increased political and religious tension linked to global conflicts. The Pope has recently been outspoken about international violence, including the ongoing war involving Iran, and has called for peace and restraint from world leaders.
In recent remarks delivered abroad, Pope Leo XIV criticized global leaders for spending large sums on warfare while many civilians suffer from conflict. He described the current global situation as deeply troubling and warned that the world is being damaged by what he called a small number of powerful and aggressive leaders.
His comments have drawn mixed reactions internationally. Supporters say he is speaking out for peace and humanitarian values, while critics argue that religious leaders should avoid direct involvement in political disputes.
The situation also follows recent political controversy in the United States. Former President Donald Trump had publicly criticized the Pope over his comments regarding the Iran conflict. Trump’s remarks sparked debate, especially since Pope Leo XIV is the first American-born pope in history and has maintained strong visibility in both religious and global political discussions.
Despite the political tension surrounding the Pope’s public statements, officials have not linked the bomb threat directly to any political group or individual. Investigators are currently focusing on determining whether the threat was a hoax or part of a broader attempt to intimidate or cause disruption.
Police in New Lenox said that all nearby residents were safely evacuated during the initial response, and no injuries or damage were reported. After confirming there was no danger, residents were allowed to return to their homes later the same night.
Authorities emphasized that false bomb threats are treated as serious criminal offenses under Illinois law, and those responsible can face significant legal consequences if identified and prosecuted.
At this stage, officials have not released further information about potential motives behind the threat. The investigation remains ongoing, and police have asked anyone with relevant information to come forward.
The incident highlights growing concerns about security risks involving public figures and their families, even when they are not directly involved in political or religious disputes.
For now, authorities say there is no continuing threat to the area, but the case remains open as investigators work to trace the origin of the false alarm.
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