Pope names Bishop Checchio coadjutor archbishop of New Orleans amid abuse settlement and leadership transition.

Pope Leo XIV has appointed Bishop James F. Checchio of Metuchen, New Jersey, as coadjutor archbishop of New Orleans, making him the successor to Archbishop Gregory M. Aymond, 75. The move follows the archdiocese’s $230 million bankruptcy settlement with more than 500 survivors of clergy sexual abuse, one of the largest in U.S. church history. Aymond, in office since 2009, has faced criticism for delays in disclosing abusive priests. Checchio, who drew scrutiny for silence during Cardinal Theodore McCarrick’s tenure in New Jersey, said he sees no grounds to investigate Aymond without evidence. He will take over leadership once Aymond’s resignation is accepted.