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Pope Leo XIV Names Bishop Michael Saporito to Lead Diocese of Metuchen
Confirmed
In Short: Bishop Michael Saporito has been appointed as the new leader of the Diocese of Metuchen, New Jersey, following a nearly one-year wait.
The Vatican announced on September 15 that Bishop Michael Saporito, a Newark, New Jersey, auxiliary bishop, will lead the Diocese of Metuchen, effective immediately.
This appointment comes as Bishops are required to submit their resignations to the Pope at the age of 75, with Bishop Francis Malone of Shreveport, Louisiana, stepping down.
Saporito, born on May 3, 1962, in Newark, New Jersey, has served as an auxiliary bishop in the Archdiocese of Newark for over three decades.
The Diocese of Metuchen was previously led by Bishop James Checchio from 2016 to 2025, who then became the Archbishop of New Orleans.
In a statement, Saporito expressed gratitude and humility, stating, 'I am deeply grateful and humbled by the appointment and look forward to meeting the priests, deacons, religious, and lay faithful of the diocese.
On behalf of the clergy, religious, and faithful of the Diocese of Camden, a congratulatory message was issued, praising Saporito for his gentle and humble service marked by mercy and mission.
What's confirmed
- The Vatican announced his appointment on Sept. 15, ending a nearly one-year wait for a new bishop of the diocese.
- Bishops are required to submit their resignations to the pope at the age of 75.
- According to the Vatican announcement, Saporito was born in Newark on May 3, 1962.
- The pontiff also accepted the resignation of Bishop Francis Malone, 76, of Shreveport, Louisiana.
- Pope Leo XIV has appointed Newark, New Jersey, auxiliary bishop Michael Saporito as the new bishop of the Diocese of Metuchen, New Jersey.
- The diocese was previously led by then-Bishop James Checchio from 2016 to 2025, after he served as rector of the Pontifical North American College in Rome.
- Checchio became the archbishop of New Orleans in 2026 after a brief period as its coadjutor archbishop.
- He was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Newark on May 30, 1992.
What's still developing
- The Diocese of Metuchen has had an administrator since November of 2025, when then-Bishop James F.
- He has a deep love for Jesus Christ and a genuine affection for God’s people, which will greatly bless the clergy, religious and faithful of the Diocese of Metuchen.
- On a personal level, I am delighted that Bishop Saporito will continue his ministry in our beautiful state of New Jersey.