Police Respond to Bomb Threat at the Home of Pope Leo’s Brother

An investigation found no evidence of explosives.

A police car at the community where Pope Leo's brother lives, in New Lenox, Ill., on April 16, 2026, in a still from video. Reuters/Screenshot via The Epoch Times

An Illinois police department responded to a false bomb threat at the residence of a brother of Pope Leo XIV.

The New Lenox Police Department was dispatched to the residence in the evening on April 15, but no explosives were found.

“A thorough search of the residence and surrounding property was conducted,” the police said in a statement.

“After careful examination, investigators determined that the threat was unsubstantiated and that no explosive devices or hazardous materials were present.”

After the threat was made, surrounding homes were evacuated, and specialized units were dispatched, including an explosive detection unit and a K9 unit, to evaluate the scene.

The New Lenox police department confirmed to The Epoch Times via email that one of the pope’s brothers was threatened.

The police department did not specify which brother’s home was at the center of the incident.

However, an article published by the National Catholic Reporter in December 2025 stated that Pope Leo’s brother John Prevost lives in New Lenox, Illinois. Louis Prevost lives in Port Charlotte, Florida, the Diocese of Venice in Florida reported in May 2025.

New Lenox Chief of Police Micah Nuesse told The Epoch Times that his department will “conduct extra patrols and there will be an increased police presence in the area,” following the threat, but that it was an ongoing investigation and there are no further details at this time.