New Orleans, La. (9/24/2025) – Pope Leo XIV has officially appointed Bishop James F. Checchio of the Diocese of Metuchen, New Jersey, as the next Archbishop of the Archdiocese of New Orleans.
Checchio will succeed Archbishop Gregory Aymond, who announced his retirement last year upon reaching his 75th birthday, the standard retirement age for bishops.
The Archdiocese confirmed that Checchio will serve as Coadjutor Archbishop, meaning he will assist Archbishop Aymond in his responsibilities and has the “right of succession” when Archbishop Aymond steps down. Aymond will remain in his role until ongoing matters of pastoral care and the archdiocese’s bankruptcy proceedings are resolved.
Checchio will be introduced at a press conference later this morning at Notre Dame Seminary, where the event will also be streamed live.
This appointment ends months of anticipation among local Catholics who awaited news of a successor since Archbishop Aymond’s retirement announcement.
Checchio, a native of Camden, New Jersey, was appointed Bishop of the Diocese of Metuchen in 2016 by Pope Francis. He previously served as rector of the Pontifical North American College in Rome.
The Archdiocese of New Orleans welcomed the appointment with optimism, calling it an important step in guiding the local church into the future.
