Bomb Threat at Home of Pope Leo's Brother After Trump Criticism

Police investigate unsubstantiated threat days after president's comments about Catholic church

Apr. 17, 2026 at 12:38am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a police evidence marker or crime scene tape against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually representing the investigation into a bomb threat at a religious leader's home.A stark, gritty image captures the tense aftermath of a bomb threat at the home of the Pope's brother, raising concerns about escalating political tensions.New Lenox Today

A bomb threat occurred at the Illinois home of Pope Leo XIV's brother this week, according to the New Lenox Police Department. The threat was deemed unsubstantiated after a thorough investigation, and no injuries were reported. The incident came just days after President Donald Trump criticized Pope Leo, calling him 'weak on crime and terrible for foreign policy'.

Why it matters

The bomb threat at the home of the pope's brother raises concerns about potential escalation of tensions between the Catholic church and the Trump administration, following the president's public criticism of Pope Leo. This incident highlights the charged political climate and the potential for violence in response to inflammatory rhetoric.

The details

Police responded to a report of a bomb threat at a private residence in New Lenox, Illinois on Wednesday, April 15. Authorities established a secure perimeter, evacuated nearby homes, and brought in specialized units to investigate. After a careful examination, the threat was determined to be unsubstantiated, and residents were allowed to safely return home.

  • The bomb threat occurred on Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at 6:29 p.m.
  • The threat came just days after President Trump's criticism of Pope Leo on Sunday, April 12, 2026

The players

Pope Leo XIV

The current leader of the Catholic Church, who was criticized by President Trump for being 'weak on crime and terrible for foreign policy'.

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States, who publicly criticized Pope Leo and faced backlash for posting an AI photo depicting himself as Jesus Christ.

New Lenox Police Department

The law enforcement agency that responded to and investigated the bomb threat at the home of Pope Leo's brother.

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What they’re saying

“'Upon receiving the report, officers were immediately dispatched to the scene and established a secure perimeter to ensure the safety of nearby residents. Out of an abundance of caution, surrounding homes were notified and asked to evacuate.'”

— New Lenox Police Department

“'The incident remains under investigation as authorities work to determine the origin of the report. Making false reports of this nature is a serious offense and may result in criminal charges. The New Lenox Police Department thanks the community for its cooperation and patience during the investigation.'”

— New Lenox Police Department

“'[The Pope] talks about 'fear' of the Trump Administration, but doesn't mention the FEAR that the Catholic Church, and all other Christian Organizations, had during COVID when they were arresting priests, ministers and everybody else, for holding Church Services, even when going outside, and being ten and even twenty feet apart.'”

— Donald Trump

What’s next

The investigation into the origin of the bomb threat at the home of Pope Leo's brother is ongoing, and authorities are working to determine if any criminal charges will be filed.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the heightened tensions between the Catholic Church and the Trump administration, and the potential for inflammatory rhetoric to escalate into threats of violence. It underscores the importance of maintaining civil discourse and respecting religious institutions, even in the face of political disagreements.