New Orleans Saints & New Orleans Pelicans owner Gayle Benson and Archbishop James Checchio of the Archdiocese of New Orleans 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 the Archbishop-emeritus, Archbishop Gregory Aymond and Saints & Pelicans Senior Vice President of Government Relations Greg Bensel and Wayne LaJaunie, Benson’s brother.During their conversation, they 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 de Lille and Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos, as well as other matters relevant to the archdiocese. The Holy Father was particularly interested in our Catholic Schools and expressed gratitude for the cooperation offered by the State of Louisiana in assisting our children the opportunity of choosing a Catholic education. In addition, Mrs. Benson gave Pope Leo a full update on the current renovation and restoration of the St. Louis Cathedral. The Holy Father thanked Mrs. Benson and all the benefactors of this worthy and important endeavor for the Archdiocese and the city.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 two hundred years and attended Mass at the Cathedral.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. The Holy Father further discussed his deep family roots in New Orleans and his appreciation for the strong culture of faith in Louisiana.To further our city’s connection with Pope Leo, Mrs. Benson presented the Holy Father a New Orleans Saints jersey among other gifts. In turn, Pope Francis blessed the group and personally handed each attendee a blessed rosary.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 and state of Louisiana.

VATICAN CITY, —

New Orleans Saints & New Orleans Pelicans owner Gayle Benson and Archbishop James Checchio of the Archdiocese of New Orleans 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 the Archbishop-emeritus, Archbishop Gregory Aymond and Saints & Pelicans Senior Vice President of Government Relations Greg Bensel and Wayne LaJaunie, Benson’s brother.

During their conversation, they 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 de Lille and Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos, as well as other matters relevant to the archdiocese. The Holy Father was particularly interested in our Catholic Schools and expressed gratitude for the cooperation offered by the State of Louisiana in assisting our children the opportunity of choosing a Catholic education. In addition, Mrs. Benson gave Pope Leo a full update on the current renovation and restoration of the St. Louis Cathedral. The Holy Father thanked Mrs. Benson and all the benefactors of this worthy and important endeavor for the Archdiocese and the city.

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 two hundred years and attended Mass at the Cathedral.

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. The Holy Father further discussed his deep family roots in New Orleans and his appreciation for the strong culture of faith in Louisiana.

To further our city’s connection with Pope Leo, Mrs. Benson presented the Holy Father a New Orleans Saints jersey among other gifts. In turn, Pope Francis blessed the group and personally handed each attendee a blessed rosary.

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 and state of Louisiana.