Police in Illinois are investigating a bomb threat at the home of Pope Leo XIV’s brother. The New Lenox Police Department responded to the property around 6:30 pm on Friday after receiving reports of a bomb threat.
Neighbours were evacuated while officers searched the area. Following a thorough investigation, police determined there was no active threat and no explosives or hazardous devices were found. The Will County Sheriff’s Office provided bomb-sniffing police dogs to assist.
The incident occurred amid an ongoing feud between President Donald Trump and Pope Leo over the Catholic leader’s critical views on the war in Iran. Trump told reporters he “likes” the Pope’s brother Louis, describing him as “MAGA all the way”, while criticising the Pope’s stance on Iran.
Trump falsely claimed the Pope said Iran could have a nuclear weapon, a claim the Pope never made. Pope Leo has been vocal in opposing aggressive wars, including those waged by the US, and has indirectly rebuked Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth’s call for prayers for the downfall of enemies.
The Pope responded by saying he does not fear the Trump administration and emphasised his role as a peacemaker, stating, “We are not politicians … I do believe in the message of the Gospel, as a peacemaker.”
