Retring Archbishop Gregory M. Aymond and Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal chat before a wreath-laying ceremony at the Hurricane Katrina Memorial site in 2015. Pope Leo XIV named Aymond's successor Wednesday. File Photo by AJ Sisco/UPI | License Photo
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.
