Pope Accepts Resignation of New Orleans Archbishop Aymond, 76

Confirms Coadjutor Archbishop Checchio as Successor

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Pope Leo XIV has accepted the resignation of Archbishop Gregory M. Aymond of the Archdiocese of New Orleans, effective immediately. The pope has confirmed Archbishop James F. Checchio, who had been appointed as coadjutor archbishop in September, as the new leader of the archdiocese.

Why it matters

The Archdiocese of New Orleans is one of the oldest and most culturally significant dioceses in the United States, with deep roots in the region's French and Spanish colonial heritage. The transition in leadership comes as the archdiocese continues to deal with the fallout from hundreds of sexual abuse claims and a long-running Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing.

The details

Archbishop Checchio, 59, was appointed coadjutor archbishop in September to assist Archbishop Aymond until his retirement. According to canon law, the coadjutor automatically becomes the new head of the diocese upon the diocesan bishop's resignation. Archbishop Checchio previously served as bishop of Metuchen, New Jersey, and brings extensive administrative experience to the role.

  • Archbishop Aymond submitted his resignation on February 11, 2026, at the age of 76, one year past the age canon law requires bishops to submit their resignation.
  • Archbishop Checchio was formally welcomed to the Archdiocese of New Orleans with a Mass on November 18.

The players

Pope Leo XIV

The current Pope who accepted Archbishop Aymond's resignation and confirmed Archbishop Checchio as the new leader of the Archdiocese of New Orleans.

Archbishop Gregory M. Aymond

The former Archbishop of the Archdiocese of New Orleans who submitted his resignation at the age of 76.

Archbishop James F. Checchio

The new Archbishop of the Archdiocese of New Orleans, who previously served as Bishop of Metuchen, New Jersey, and brings extensive administrative experience to the role.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Archbishop James F. Checchio (OSV News)

What’s next

Archbishop Checchio will offer his first public Mass as Archbishop of New Orleans on Ash Wednesday, February 18, at noon in the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis in Jackson Square.

The takeaway

The transition in leadership at the Archdiocese of New Orleans comes at a critical time as the archdiocese continues to navigate the fallout from sexual abuse claims and a long-running bankruptcy filing. Archbishop Checchio's extensive administrative experience will be crucial as he takes on the challenges facing the archdiocese.