Police in suburban New Lenox were investigating after a bomb threat at the home of Pope Leo’s brother.
According to a press release from the New Lenox Police Department, officers responded about 6:30 p.m. Wednesday to reports of a bomb threat at the home.
In an exclusive interview with the NBC Chicago’s Mary Ann Ahern, Pope Leo XIV’s brother shared an update on how his sibling is navigating his massive new role as he marks 100 days as the first American pope.
After receiving the report, officers were dispatched to the scene and established a secure perimeter. Neighbors nearby were notified and asked to evacuate their homes out of an abundance of caution, police said.
After a thorough search of the residence and surrounding property, investigators determined the threat was unsubstantiated, and no explosive devices or hazardous materials were found.
Police in New Lenox called making false reports of this nature a “serious offense” that could result in criminal charges.
Specialized units, including the Will County Sheriff’s Office bomb sniffing K9s, were also dispatched to the scene to assist in the investigation, which remains ongoing, police said.
John Prevost, the older brother of Pope Leo XIV, currently residents in New Lenox, a suburb of Chicago. Another brother, Louis, lives in Florida. Their family grew up in suburban Dolton.
The brother of Pope Leo XIV, a New Lenox resident, spoke with NBC Chicago’s Christian Farr on his reaction of the historic moment and his conversations with his brother before the conclave.
