Hoax Bomb Threat Targets Home of Pope's Brother in Chicago Suburb

Incident comes after President Trump's criticism of Pope Leo XIV's foreign policy stance

Apr. 17, 2026 at 5:50pm

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A serene painting of a lone police car parked on a residential street, with warm sunlight casting long shadows across the scene, conveying a sense of quiet unease and the impact of a local incident on a broader political landscape.The hoax bomb threat in a quiet Chicago suburb underscores the broader political tensions between the Trump administration and the Vatican.New Lenox Today

A hoax bomb threat targeted the Chicago-area home of Pope Leo XIV's brother, John Prevost, just days after President Trump's pointed criticism of the pontiff's weak stance on crime and foreign policy. The New Lenox Police Department received the threat report on April 15, 2026, and evacuated nearby homes as a precaution while investigating. No explosives were found, and no injuries occurred. The incident highlights ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and the Vatican over foreign policy issues.

Why it matters

The timing of the hoax bomb threat, coming shortly after President Trump's public criticism of Pope Leo XIV, has amplified national attention on this suburban incident and underscores the broader political divides over strong foreign policy and law enforcement priorities. While there is no evidence linking the threat to Trump's rhetoric, the backdrop of U.S.-Vatican friction adds significance to the local police response.

The details

Police received the bomb threat report at 6:29 p.m. CT on April 15, 2026, targeting a private residence on Sojourn Road in New Lenox, Illinois. Officers established a perimeter and evacuated nearby homes as a precaution. Will County Sheriff's Office deployed K9 explosive-detection units, and investigators cleared the scene that evening after confirming no explosives or hazardous materials. John Prevost, the brother of Pope Leo XIV, resides at the address.

  • On April 15, 2026, the New Lenox Police Department received the bomb threat report at 6:29 p.m. CT.
  • Days before the threat, President Trump posted on Truth Social criticizing Pope Leo XIV's 'weak' stance on crime and foreign policy.

The players

Pope Leo XIV

The current Pope, who has faced criticism from President Trump over his foreign policy positions.

John Prevost

The brother of Pope Leo XIV, who resides at the address targeted by the hoax bomb threat.

President Trump

The former U.S. president who posted on Truth Social criticizing Pope Leo XIV's policies shortly before the bomb threat incident.

Micah Nuesse

The police chief of the New Lenox Police Department, which investigated the hoax bomb threat.

Will County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that deployed K9 explosive-detection units to assist in the investigation.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

What’s next

The investigation into the hoax bomb threat remains active, with authorities urging anyone with information to come forward via the police hotline or the village website. No suspects have been named, but charges are likely once the perpetrator is identified.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing political tensions between the Trump administration and the Vatican, particularly over foreign policy issues. While there is no evidence linking the hoax threat to President Trump's rhetoric, the timing and location of the event have amplified national attention and underscored the broader divisions over strong defense and law enforcement priorities.