At the recent meeting with Pope Leo XIV, permission given to rename the soon to be renovated Cathedral Rectory: the Pope Leo XIV Center for Evangelization

 

St. Louis Cathedral is the most iconic building and church in New Orleans. As your Catholic Community Foundation is called to “Foster Generosity,” we are proud to support its renovation and restoration.

In collaboration with campaign chair Mrs. Gayle Benson, the CCF hosts the “Our City, Our Cathedral” campaign fund on behalf of the Cathedral and the Archdiocese to ensure its care for generations to come.

That is why I am honored to share this historic news with you.

On March 23, Archbishop James F. Checchio and Mrs. Benson met with Pope Leo XIV in his private library at the Apostolic Palace for a historic audience.

Mrs. Benson updated the Holy Father on the campaign's progress, and Pope Leo expressed deep gratitude to all who have supported this effort, calling it a vital endeavor for both the Archdiocese and the city of New Orleans.

The Holy Father also permitted Archbishop Checchio to name the renovated Cathedral rectory the Pope Leo XIV Center for Evangelization, honoring his family's 200-year history in New Orleans and their legacy of worship at the Cathedral. The gesture moved him deeply.