Msgr. James Francis Checchio, born in 1966 in Camden (New Jersey), priest since 1992 and doctor in Canon Law, has been appointed today Archbishop of New Orleans. With a career marked by prudence and a conservative profile, he has distinguished himself both by his solid formation in Rome—he was rector of the Pontifical North American College for a decade—as well as by his governing capacity in Metuchen, where he served as bishop since 2016. In the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, he has held positions of great trust, especially in the economic area, as treasurer and president of the budget and finance committee.
In the liturgical sphere, Msgr. Checchio has always shown an attitude of openness toward the richness of the Church’s tradition. In his diocese of Metuchen, he has actively supported the celebration of the Traditional Latin Mass, even participating in solemn ceremonies. He has not turned this matter into a source of division, but rather into an element of ecclesial communion, integrating communities linked to traditional liturgy into diocesan life.
He replaces in New Orleans Archbishop Gregory Aymond, who submitted his resignation after years of service. The archdiocese, one of the oldest and most symbolic in the United States, currently faces significant economic challenges mainly derived from compensations for abuse cases and the financial situation that led the archdiocese to declare bankruptcy in 2020. The arrival of a prelate with solid experience in administrative and financial management is a clear sign that the Holy See seeks stability and trust for this historic see.
With this appointment, New Orleans receives a shepherd with experience in formation, governance, and economics, capable of facing the present challenges with serenity and safeguarding the rich Catholic heritage of the region.