NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) – Pope Leo XIV has officially accepted the resignation of New Orleans Archbishop Rev. Gregory M. Aymond.
In November 2024, after his 75th birthday, Aymond submitted a letter of resignation as required by canon law.
Almond was the fourteenth Archbishop of New Orleans and the first New Orleanian to hold the position. He was ordained a bishop in 1997, bishop of Austin in 2000, and archbishop of New Orleans in 2009.
Drew Brees to drive Bacchus’ Krewe
With Aymond’s departure, the Rev. James F. Checchio, JCD, MBA, will become the 15th Archbishop of New Orleans. He was elected vicar general of New Orleans in September 2025 and was welcomed into the church on November 18.
(Courtesy of the Archbishop of New Orleans)
Officials with the Archdiocese of New Orleans said that since Cecchio arrived, he has spent time visiting parishes, schools and ministries to become more familiar with the archdiocese.
“The three months since I arrived in New Orleans have flown by very quickly as I have learned more about our local Church and tried to understand how God has called me to best serve this beautiful part of His vineyard,” Archbishop Cerchio said. “It’s fascinating that faith has been so alive in Southeast Louisiana for so long! The contributions of many priests, religious men and women, and laity over the years are testament to the interconnectedness of faith in the public life of our Archdiocese of New Orleans—of which we should be very proud.”
Time capsule placed in Jefferson Parish to be opened in 2125
Archbishop Cerchio will celebrate the first Mass of Lent at the Cathedral of St. Louis on Ash Wednesday, February 18, at 12 noon.
Get the latest news, weather and sports by downloading the WGNO app on the Apple or Google Play stores and subscribing to the WGNO newsletter.
latest posts
Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
For the latest news, weather, sports and streaming video, head to WGNO.
