WASHINGTON – Pope Leo XIV has accepted the resignation of Most Reverend Gregory M. Aymond, 76, from the Office of Archbishop of New Orleans. On the same day, Coadjutor Archbishop James F. Checchio, will assume the pastoral governance of the archdiocese.

The announcement was publicized in Washington, D.C. on February 11, 2026, by Cardinal Christophe Pierre, apostolic nuncio to the United States.

Archbishop Checchio’ biography may be found here.

The Archdiocese of New Orleans is comprised of 4,208 square miles in the State of Louisiana.

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This World Day of the Sick and feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, Pope Leo XIV welcomes a group of sick people in front of the Lourdes Grotto in the Vatican Gardens, and reminds them that the Blessed Mother teaches us the meaning of suffering and love.

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A new jingle has been created to celebrate Vatican Radio’s 95th birthday.

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Cardinal Blaise Cupich of Chicago writes of his “shock” and “outrage” over a video shared on President Donald Trump's Truth Social account which depicted Barack and Michelle Obama as apes.

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