Coadjutor Archbishop of New Orleans appointed by Pope Leo XIV

NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — The Archdiocese of New Orleans announced Wednesday morning, Sept. 24, the appointment of a Coadjutor Archbishop of New Orleans.

Aymond has choosen Most Reverend James Checchio, of the Diocese of Metuchen, as Coadjutor Archbishop of New Orleans. His job will be to assist Aymond in the role of archbishop.

The position will also give Checchio the “right of succession” once Aymond retires. Aymond submitted his letter of resignation to Pope Francis on his 75th birthday in 2024.

Checchio is a New Jersey native who was named Bishop of the Diocese of Metuchen by Pope Francis on March 8, 2016, and ordained on May 3, 2016.

Prior to that, he served as Pontifical North American College in Rome from 2006 to 2016. He also served as vice rector for two and a half years.

He also attended North American College in Rome and was ordained as priest of Diocese of Camden, N.J. on June 20, 1992. Checchio holds a degree in Sacred Theology, a Master of Business Administration and doctorate in Canon Law.

“Archbishop Aymond will continue in his role as Archbishop of New Orleans until the bankruptcy is concluded and other matters of pastoral care of the archdiocese are accomplished,” according to the Archdiocese of New Orleans.

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