The midday sun filtered through the stained glass windows of St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, as worshippers gathered for Mass. But for many, the real news was unfolding just outside the sanctuary: the Vatican had announced a major leadership change for the city’s Catholic community. Pope Leo XIV had appointed Bishop James Checchio, formerly of Metuchen, New Jersey, as coadjutor archbishop—a move that signals both transition and hope for an archdiocese that’s seen its share of recent storms.
Archbishop Gregory Aymond, who has shepherded New Orleans through years of upheaval, introduced his successor at a morning press conference. "We decided to ask Pope Leo to appoint a coadjutor for the Archdiocese of New Orleans, in order to prepare for a smooth transition once the bankruptcy proceedings are completed," Aymond explained, according to WVUE. The appointment comes at a pivotal moment: just weeks ago, the archdiocese agreed to a $230 million settlement with survivors of clergy sexual abuse, a painful chapter that has left deep scars on the local Catholic community.
Checchio, 59, is no stranger to challenges. A native of Camden, New Jersey, he was ordained in 1992 and quickly distinguished himself as a leader with both spiritual and administrative acumen. His academic journey took him from the University of Scranton to Rome’s North American College, where he earned degrees in sacred theology, business administration, and canon law. He later served as rector of the Pontifical North American College from 2006 to 2016, shaping the next generation of American priests with what colleagues describe as a blend of rigor and compassion.
In 2016, Checchio was appointed bishop of Metuchen by Pope Francis, a role he has held for nine years. During his tenure, he prioritized parish visits and made child protection a cornerstone of his leadership. According to MyCentralJersey.com, Checchio implemented an independent service, ReportBishopAbuse.org, in Metuchen—a step aimed at increasing transparency and accountability in the wake of the broader church’s abuse crisis.
At Wednesday’s press conference, Checchio struck a humble note. "Touched by a bit of holy fear, I'm certainly humbled to come and shepherd this diocese," he said, as reported by UPI. He expressed gratitude for his years in Metuchen, promising to keep his former flock in his prayers even as he embraces his new home. "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," Checchio said, according to MyCentralJersey.com.
Checchio’s appointment is more than just a change in personnel—it’s a strategic move designed to ensure stability during a turbulent period. Archbishop Aymond, now 75, had submitted his resignation as required by canon law, but Pope Francis initially refused it due to the ongoing bankruptcy proceedings. The hope is that, with Checchio on board as coadjutor archbishop, the transition will be seamless once the bankruptcy is resolved and Aymond retires. By church law, Checchio will automatically succeed Aymond, providing continuity at the top during a time when the local faithful are yearning for reassurance.
Father John Cunningham, vice president for mission and identity at Loyola University New Orleans, sees Checchio as a promising choice. "He’s had so many activities and involvement, particularly with the U.S. Council, the Conference of Bishops, and particularly with seminary training. He also was involved with a racism committee, and I think his young spirit and his experience on top of that will come here and help us. We’re still healing over some of the things that happened in the archdiocese," Cunningham told WVUE. He also pointed out that Checchio is a graduate of the University of Scranton, a sister Jesuit university, which has generated some local pride.
Checchio’s background isn’t limited to academia and church administration. He once served as chaplain for the NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles, a fun fact that drew laughter at the press conference. Aymond joked, "But we feel very sure that he can change his allegiance to the Saints because we know that Saints are more like God than eagles." Checchio, for his part, recounted a moment he interpreted as a sign from above: "You know how God sometimes gives us signs that we have to pay attention to or we miss them. And one that I received last year was this, a Saints ball signed by all the players on the team."
For many local Catholics, the hope is that Checchio’s arrival will help reenergize a community that has felt battered by scandal and loss. David Reichard, a parishioner, told WVUE, "I hope that he’s a good shepherd for New Orleans Catholics, you know, that we have somebody to look to that leads us to a holier and better life." Another attendee, Harry Johnson Jr., reflected, "We hate to see Archbishop Aymond go, you know, what I’m saying, but if his time is up, he’s gotta go." Both expressed optimism that Checchio could help guide the archdiocese into a new era.
The challenges ahead are significant. The $230 million sexual abuse settlement represents one of the largest such payouts in U.S. Catholic history, and the bankruptcy proceedings have forced the archdiocese to confront painful truths about its past. Checchio’s experience in Metuchen, where he made child protection a top priority and established new mechanisms for reporting abuse, will likely be put to the test in New Orleans.
But there are also reasons for hope. Checchio’s reputation as a bridge-builder and his willingness to engage with both clergy and laity have earned him respect in every post he’s held. His academic background—ranging from philosophy and theology to business administration—suggests a leader who can navigate both the spiritual and practical demands of running a large, complex archdiocese.
Checchio will remain in Metuchen until mid-November, after which the pope will appoint his successor there. In the meantime, he’s already begun to immerse himself in his new surroundings, reaching out to local church officials and parishioners. "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," he said. "I look forward to working with them in my new home."
As New Orleans Catholics look to the future, the appointment of James Checchio as coadjutor archbishop marks a moment of both reflection and renewal—a chance to heal old wounds, rebuild trust, and rediscover the spirit that has defined this historic city’s faith for centuries.
