'Bomb Threat' Sparks Search at Pope's Brother's Home Amid Trump-Pope Tensions

Report Targets Home of Pope Leo XIV's Second Brother
Police Warn of "Possible Hoax" and Pledge Strict Punishment
Connection to Political Tensions Remains Uncertain

In Illinois, United States, police launched an emergency investigation after receiving a bomb threat targeting the home of the Pope's brother. However, it was confirmed that no actual hazardous materials were found.

On April 17, Yonhap News cited the New Lenox Police Department in Illinois, reporting that at approximately 6:29 p.m. the previous day, a report was filed claiming that an explosive device had been planted at a private residence on Sojourn Road. The residence in question is known to belong to John Prevost, the second eldest brother of Leo XIV, the first American Pope in Catholic history.

Pope Francis, 14th of his name, is currently on a tour of Africa, continuing to deliver critical messages against war and violence in countries such as Algeria and Cameroon. Photo by AP Yonhap News

Immediately after the report, police cordoned off the surrounding area and evacuated nearby residents as a precaution. Explosive detection dogs and a special response team were deployed to conduct a thorough search of the house and surrounding area, but no explosives or hazardous materials were discovered. Evacuated residents were allowed to return home once their safety was confirmed. The New Lenox Police Department is currently tracking the source and circumstances of the report and is also considering the possibility that it was a false alarm. Police emphasized that making a false bomb threat is a serious crime subject to criminal prosecution, and urged citizens with relevant information to come forward.

This incident has drawn attention as it occurred amid ongoing tensions between U.S. President Donald Trump and Pope Leo XIV. The Pope has recently maintained an anti-war stance regarding the conflict in Iran, while President Trump has continued to publicly criticize him. President Trump also referenced the Pope's brother on his social media, highlighting their political differences; however, no direct connection has been established between the bomb threat and these disputes.

Pope Leo XIV is currently on an African tour, continuing his critical messages about war and violence in countries such as Algeria and Cameroon. Photo by AP Yonhap News

Meanwhile, Pope Leo XIV is currently on a tour of Africa, continuing to deliver messages criticizing war and violence in regions such as Algeria and Cameroon. In a recent speech, he emphasized the importance of peace, stating, "God's heart is torn by war and injustice." On the same day, President Trump reiterated his criticism of the Pope's remarks, further underscoring their differences over diplomatic and security issues. The conflict between the two sides appears likely to continue for the foreseeable future.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.