In a move marking a transition within the Catholic Church's leadership in the city, Pope Leo XIV accepted the resignation of New Orleans Archbishop Gregory M. Aymond. Officially stepping into the role, Most Reverend James F. Checchio will become the city's 15th Archbishop. Aymond, who turned 76 this past year, served beyond the Church’s customary retirement age for bishops, as reported by WWLTV.
Upon arriving to take up the reins, Checchio has made an effort to thoroughly acquaint himself with the New Orleans community, visiting various parishes and public religious events. "These three months since my arrival in New Orleans have gone by very quickly as I learn more about our local Church and seek to understand how God is calling me to best serve this beautiful part of His vineyard," Checchio expressed in a statement to WGNO.
The leadership shift unfolds against the backdrop of Aymond's decision last year to move towards retirement following the conclusion of a massive bankruptcy case involving the archdiocese. This case resolved with a landmark $230 million settlement. Aymond’s departure was set in motion one day after his final meeting with survivors of clergy sex abuse, as per WDSU.
Checchio, who arrived in New Orleans last September and was welcomed formally in a Mass in November, is set to officially take up his position with a Mass on Ash Wednesday at St. Louis Cathedral. An event that is symbolically significant, as Checchio will take his seat in the archbishop’s chair, representing his teaching authority. This Mass will be open to the public and is also scheduled to be broadcast live for those unable to attend personally.
