Pope Leo XIV meets with Archbishops Checchio & Aymond along with Gayle Benson; a taste of New Orleans

 Pope Leo XIV Gifted with the Prayers and a "Taste" of New Orleans

On March 23, Most Reverend James F. Checchio Archbishop of New Orleans along with Archbishop-emeritus Gregory Aymond and Mrs. Gayle Benson met with Pope Leo XIV in his private library in the Apostolic Palace. The 35-minute meeting was marked by warm dialogue and meaningful exchanges. Joining the delegation meeting with Pope Leo was Saints and Pelicans Senior Vice President of Government Relations Greg Bensel and Mrs. Benson’s brother, Wayne LaJaunie.

During their conversation, the group discussed the unique family connections between Pope Leo XIV and the city of New Orleans, with particular emphasis on the historic St. Louis Cathedral. The discussion also touched upon the health and vitality of the Catholic community in New Orleans, the work being done to promote the causes of the Servant of God Henriette DeLille and Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos, as well as other matters relevant to the archdiocese. The Holy Father was particularly interested in the area Catholic Schools and expressed gratitude for the cooperation offered by the State of Louisiana in assisting our children with the opportunity of choosing a Catholic education. Throughout the meeting, the Holy Father discussed his deep family roots in New Orleans and his appreciation for the strong culture of faith in Louisiana.

In a particularly inspiring point in the meeting Archbishop Checchio presented the Holy Father with a Spiritual Bouquet from the priests, deacons and Catholic school students of the Archdiocese of New Orleans that totaled tens of thousands of hours of prayer for Pope Leo and his intentions over the upcoming year. Along with the Spiritual Bouquet, the Holy Father received a “taste of New Orleans” as a gift from the local church including a bag of local coffee, locally made pralines, a recipe Photo credit: Vatican Mediafor Shrimp Remoulade from Galatoire’s Restaurant, a Christmas ornament featuring St. Louis Cathedral, a commemorative medallion from Saint Pope John Paul II’s 1987 visit to New Orleans and several books about St. Louis Cathedral and the Archdiocese of New Orleans. Mrs.

Benson included a personalized New Orleans Saints jersey featuring the #14. In turn, Pope Leo blessed the group and personally handed each attendee a blessed rosary. 

A key point in the conversation was Mrs. Benson’s update on the current renovation and restoration of the St. Louis Cathedral. The Holy Father thanked her and all the benefactors of this worthy and important endeavor for the Archdiocese and the city of New Orleans.

Archbishop Checchio received the Holy Father's permission to name the upcoming renovation of St. Louis Cathedral rectory into the Pope Leo XIV Center for Evangelization in honor of the Holy Father and his family who lived in New Orleans for nearly 300 years and attended Mass at the Cathedral, a gesture that moved the Holy Father deeply. 

Mrs. Benson expressed her hope that the Holy Father would visit New Orleans during a future United States visit, highlighting reasons why the city should be a priority for a U.S. papal journey. 

Following the audience, the group proceeded to the U.S. Embassy of the Holy See to meet with Ambassador Brian Burch. They discussed potential programs between the Holy See and the city of New Orleans.