Pope Leo XIV names New Jersey bishop as new archbishop of New Orleans

Sept. 24 (UPI) — Pope Leo XIV appointed Bishop James Checchio as the new coadjutor archbishop of New Orleans.

Checchio will succeed Bishop Gregory Aymond when he retires. Until then, he will assist Aymond as coadjutor with the right of succession.

Checchio is a native of Camden, N.J., and was named bishop of the Diocese of Metuchen, N.J., in 2016 by Pope Francis.

Aymond said he submitted his resignation when he turned 75, as is required by canon law. Pope Francis refused the resignation because the diocese was in the middle of a bankruptcy. As soon as the bankruptcy is complete, Aymond will retire.

Checchio earned a bachelor of arts degree in philosophy from the University of Scranton before becoming a priest. He studied at the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas in Rome. He also earned a licentiate in canon law in 1993. He later earned a masters of business administration from LaSalle University in Philadelphia.

“Touched by a bit of holy fear, I’m certainly humbled to come and shepherd this diocese,” Checchio said at the press conference announcing his new position.