Pope Leo XIV appoints a new archbishop of the New Orleans diocese. He has tapped James Checchio, the bishop of Metuchen, New Jersey, to succeed Gregory Aymond when he retires on November 12th. Checchio says he will put his leadership skills to good use in his new role.
“I’d spent twelve and a half years of my priestly life and ministry engaged in seminary work, helping to form seminarians to be effective parish priests,” Checchio said.
Checchio noted the abundance of Catholic schools in New Orleans.
“I’m also very excited to learn and assist with your 65 Catholic schools. Wow, that’s a lot. Where you form our next generation of missionary disciples. What a blessing that’ll be,” Checchio said.
Checchio says he will play an integral role in helping the Archdiocese recover from the bankruptcy brought on by the proposed $230 million settlement from the sex abuse scandal.
“I certainly am not unaware of the heartbreaking situation resulting from the painful abuses which occurred. So I offer my prayers and support for those who have been hurt,” Checchio said.
Aymond noted that Checchio had previously served as the chaplain of the Philadelphia Eagles, but he expressed confidence that he could switch his allegiance to the Saints.
