Pope Leo XIV names Bishop James Checchio to take over New Orleans Archdiocese

Catch up quick: New Orleans Archbishop Gregory Aymond turned in his resignation to Pope Francis when he turned 75 last November, as is required by the church at that age.

• The Vatican declined to accept that resignation, Aymond said in a Wednesday press conference, so he could see the archdiocese through its legal troubles.
• But the church reached a $230 million settlement with clergy sex abuse survivors earlier this month, the AP reported, and an end for its bankruptcy filing is expected "sooner rather than later," Aymond said.

Zoom in: Pope Leo XIV tapped Chechhio to serve as coadjutor bishop of New Orleans, which puts him in line to replace Aymond when he officially steps down in a few months.

• The archdiocese is responsible for spiritual and administrative support for the metro area's Catholic churches, parishioners and 55 schools.

What he's saying: Checchio, a New Jersey native who once served as the chaplain for the Philadelphia Eagles, appears ready to start praying for the New Orleans Saints as he quipped about a team-signed football that's sat in his office for the past year or so.

• "I let it remind me of my call to sanctity, the call to be a saint," he said. "But I never imagined it would be a sign that I would be here and be a Saints fan. I embrace ... becoming a member of this archdiocese and a Saints fan, too."

What's next: The archdiocese will host a welcome Mass in Checchio's honor on Nov. 18.