Bishop Checchio Appointed as Coadjutor Archbishop of New Orleans

September 23, 2025
His Holiness Pope Leo XIV this morning appointed Bishop James F. Checchio, bishop of the Diocese of Metuchen, as the Coadjutor Archbishop of New Orleans. According to the Church's Canon Law, a "Coadjutor" bishop is appointed to assist the diocesan bishop until his retirement. This means that New Orleans Archbishop Gregory M. Aymond will continue to lead the Archdiocese of New Orleans, until such time that the Holy Father accepts his resignation. When that happens, he will then be automatically succeeded by Archbishop-designate Checchio. 

Bishop Checchio said of his appointment: "The Archdiocese of New Orleans is an historic local Church with committed clergy and religious, two large seminary communities and a wonderful, faith-filled laity. I am certainly grateful to our Lord and to His vicar, Pope Leo XIV, for sending me to be a part of such a beautiful community. These past nine years as Bishop of Metuchen have been a grace-filled and privileged time in my life and priestly ministry. As I now prepare to leave Metuchen and the priests, deacons, religious and lay faithful whom I have grown more deeply in love each year, I promise them my ongoing daily prayers while assuring the good people of the Archdiocese of New Orleans that I will dedicate myself to praying for and serving you". Archbishop-designate Checchio continued, "I am so grateful to Archbishop Aymond and Archbishop Hughes for their most kind welcome and for their encouragement. I look forward to working with them in shepherding the Church in my new home. I ask all to please remember me in their prayers."