Gregory Aymond’s resignation accepted, James Checchio to be seated as Archbishop of New Orleans

Raeven Poole

Wed, February 11, 2026 at 2:21 PM UTC

1 min read

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NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — Pope Leo XIV has officially accepted the resignation of Archbishop of New Orleans, Most Reverend Gregory M. Aymond.

In November 2024, following his 75th birthday, Aymond submitted his letter of resignation which is required by canon law.

Aymond is the 14th Archbishop of New Orleans but is the first New Orleanian to hold the position. Ordained in 1997, he was named Bishop of Austin in 2000 and in 2009 was appointed Archbishop of New Orleans.

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With Aymond leaving, Most Reverend James F. Checchio, JCD, MBA will become the 15th Archbishop of New Orleans. He was selected Coadjutor Archbishop of New Orleans in September 2025 and welcomed by the church on Nov. 18.

Officials with the Archdiocese of New Orleans says since Checchio arrived, he’s spent his time visiting parishes, schools and ministries to become more familiar with the Archdiocese.

“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,” said Archbishop Checchio. “It is fascinating that the faith has been so active here in Southeastern Louisiana for so long! The contributions of the many priests, religious men and women and the lay faithful over the years are a testament to the interconnectedness of faith in public life in our Archdiocese of New Orleans – something within which we should take great pride.”

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Archbishop Checchio will take his seat in the cathedra during his first Mass at St. Louis Cathedral during the Lent season at 12 p.m. on Ash Wednesday, February 18.

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