Pope Leo XIV has appointed Bishop James Checchio of Metuchen, New Jersey, as the new coadjutor bishop for the Archdiocese of New Orleans. This position designates Bishop Checchio to automatically succeed Archbishop Gregory M. Aymond upon his retirement.
The appointment follows the New Orleans archdiocese reaching a proposed $230 million settlement on September 8 with survivors of clergy sexual abuse. The archdiocese had filed for bankruptcy in May 2020 as a method to address the multiple abuse claims collectively.
Bishop Checchio, a native of Camden, New Jersey, with degrees in canon law and an MBA, expressed gratitude for his previous service and anticipation for his new role. An investigation by the Associated Press earlier this year reported that the archdiocese had sought assistance from executives of the New Orleans Saints regarding public relations.
Source: indianexpress.com