Pope Names New Orleans Archbishop Successor Amid $230M Abuse Settlement

Pope Leo XIV has appointed Bishop James Checchio of Metuchen, New Jersey, as the coadjutor bishop of New Orleans, positioning him to succeed Archbishop Gregory M. Aymond upon his retirement. This appointment coincides with the Archdiocese of New Orleans moving toward resolving its extensive bankruptcy proceedings related to more than 600 clergy sexual abuse claims, with a recently proposed $230 million settlement awaiting approval by survivors. Checchio, who has served as Bishop of Metuchen since 2016 and previously as rector of the U.S. seminary in Rome, is recognized for managing the fallout of abuse revelations in Metuchen and prioritizing child protection measures. Archbishop Aymond, who reached the mandatory retirement age last year, will continue in his role until the bankruptcy and related pastoral matters are resolved. Checchio expressed gratitude for his time in Metuchen and pledged to dedicate himself to serving the New Orleans community. The settlement, if approved by two-thirds of survivors, could lead to payments beginning by next year, marking a significant step in addressing one of the U.S. church's most contentious abuse cases.