Meet Coadjutor Archbishop Checchio

On Sept. 24 it was announced that Pope Leo XIV had appointed Most Reverend James F. Checchio, JCD, MBA Coadjutor Archbishop of New Orleans. 

On Nov. 18, Archbishop James F. Checchio will be formally welcomed to his new office as Coadjutor Archbishop of New Orleans.

The word coadjutor means “helper” or “assistant.”  A coadjutor archbishop serves alongside the current archbishop in a sacred partnership and holds the right of succession, ensuring a seamless continuation of pastoral care and spiritual leadership. Archbishop Checchio will assume this office through several sacred rites, through which the Church prays that his service will be marked by wisdom, compassion and deep faith. In our case, Coadjutor Archbishop Checchio will work with and assist Archbishop Aymond until Archbishop Aymond formally retires from his ministry as bishop.

Who is Coadjutor Archbishop Checchio?

Coadjutor Archbishop Checchio is a native of Camden, New Jersey, and was named the Bishop of the Diocese of Metuchen by Pope Francis on March 8, 2016. He was ordained and installed as the Fifth Bishop of Metuchen on May 3, 2016. 

Before being named Bishop, he served as rector of the Pontifical North American College in Rome from January 2006 to January 2016, after serving as vice rector there for two and a half years. He studied at North American College, Rome, and was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Camden, N.J. on June 20, 1992. 

Coadjutor Archbishop Checchio has a degree in Sacred Theology, a Master of Business Administration, and doctorate in Canon Law. Find his complete biography online at https://nolacatholic.org/archbishops.

The Vigil

On the eve of the Mass of  Welcome, Archbishop Checchio will gather with the clergy, religious and lay faithful of the archdiocese, along with his family, friends and bishops from across the country. Together, they will pray for the Church and for the new coadjutor archbishop as he prepares to assume his new responsibilities.

Profession of Faith and Oath of Fidelity

During the Vigil, Archbishop Checchio will make a profession of faith, declaring his belief in all that the Catholic Church teaches, proclaims and holds to be true. Then, placing his hand upon the Book of the Gospels, he will make an Oath of Fidelity through which he promises obedience and loyalty to Pope Leo and his successors, and to serve with charity, diligence and fidelity to the Gospel.

The Mass of Welcome

A new archbishop is welcomed through the celebration of the Eucharist, the source and summit of the Christian life. During the Mass of  Welcome, Archbishop Checchio will begin his new ministry and be accepted as a successor of the apostles sent to the Archdiocese of New Orleans.

The Apostolic Mandate 

As a sign that an archbishop’s authority is received from the Pope himself, Cardinal Christophe Pierre, the Holy Father’s personal representative to the United States, will read the Apostolic Mandate, by which Pope Leo XIV appoints Archbishop Checchio as coadjutor archbishop of New Orleans. The original document, known as a Papal Bull, will be presented to Archbishop Aymond and the College of Consultors, and then shown to the assembly. This public act affirms that the appointment truly comes from the Holy Father and shows the archbishop’s communion with the universal Church. 

Greeting by Archdiocesan Representatives

As the Mass continues, representatives from every corner of the archdiocese, clergy, religious and laity, will come forward to greet Archbishop Checchio. Civic leaders and members of other faith communities will also offer their welcome. This gesture symbolizes the warm embrace of the entire community, expressing joy, trust and shared hope in the leadership of their new spiritual shepherd. It reflects the unity of God’s people and the collaborative spirit that characterizes the Archdiocese of New Orleans. 

Having been welcomed and accepted by the people of God, Archbishop Checchio will join Archbishop Aymond at the altar, continuing the Mass, as together they will carry forward the mission of Christ and lead with a shepherd’s heart.

Solemn Vespers honoring Coadjutor Archbishop Checchio is Monday, Nov. 17 at 6 p.m. at St. Dominic Church in New Orleans. The faithful are invited to join in prayer in the church that evening. 

The Mass of  Welcome will be at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 18 at St. Louis Cathedral. Due to seating limitations, the Mass is by invitation only. The Mass will be broadcast live on WLAE-TV and live streamed at nolacatholic.org and the dailymass.com.