Bomb threat at Illinois home of Pope Leo’s brother found to be unfounded

A bomb threat at the Illinois home of Pope Leo’s brother led to evacuations and a police response, but investigators found no explosive devices or hazardous materials.

The incident happened at 6:29 p.m. on Wednesday at a private residence on Sojourn Road in New Lenox, a suburb southwest of Chicago. WLS-TV reported that the home belongs to John Prevost, the pope’s brother.

New Lenox police said officers were dispatched after receiving a report of a bomb threat and set up a secure perimeter around the area. Nearby homes were notified and residents were asked to evacuate as a precaution.

Police said specialized units, including the Will County Sheriff’s Office explosive detection K9, were called in to assist with the investigation.

Authorities said a thorough search of the home and surrounding property found that the threat was unsubstantiated and that no explosive devices or hazardous materials were present.

No injuries were reported, and residents were allowed to return to their homes after the scene was cleared. The investigation is continuing as authorities work to determine the origin of the report.

The incident comes as President Trump has publicly criticized Pope Leo over the pontiff’s opposition to the U.S. war against Iran, but authorities have not said whether the threat was connected to those tensions.