From OSV News:
Pope Leo XIV has appointed Bishop James F. Checchio of Metuchen, N.J., as coadjutor archbishop of New Orleans. The appointment has been announced Sept. 24.
According to the church’s canon law, a coadjutor bishop is appointed to assist the diocesan bishop until his retirement.
This means that Archbishop Gregory M. Aymond of New Orleans will continue to lead the archdiocese “until such time that the Holy Father accepts his resignation,” the Diocese of Metuchen said in a statement. “When that happens, he will then be automatically succeeded by Archbishop-designate Checchio.”
Bishop Checchio said of his appointment that “The Archdiocese of New Orleans is an historic local Church with committed clergy and religious, two large seminary communities and a wonderful, faith-filled laity.”
He said: “I am certainly grateful to our Lord and to His vicar, Pope Leo XIV, for sending me to be a part of such a beautiful community.”
He also said that the nine years in the Diocese of Metuchen “have been a grace-filled and privileged time in my life and priestly ministry,” promising his “ongoing daily prayers” to Metuchen’s faithful and clergy, while “assuring the good people of the Archdiocese of New Orleans that I will dedicate myself to praying for and serving you.”
Archbishop-designate Checchio continued, “I am so grateful to Archbishop Aymond and (retired) Archbishop (Clifton) Hughes for their most kind welcome and for their encouragement. I look forward to working with them in shepherding the Church in my new home. I ask all to please remember me in their prayers.”
