On 27 July 2005, Pope Benedict XVI appointed him as archbishop of Acerenza;[3] he succeeded Michele Scandiffio, who had resigned due to his age.

On 8 October, he received episcopal ordination in Basilica di San Giuseppe (Bisceglie), by the archbishop Francesco Monterisi (then cardinal).

[4] On 15 October 2013, Pope Francis nominated him bishop, with the title ad personam of archbishop of the diocese of Altamura-Gravina-Acquaviva delle Fonti;[5] he succeeded Mario Paciello.

[4] In October 2020, Mgr Ricchiuti declared legalization of gay adoptions could be a good way to avoid the bearing surogacy.

[7] He is also actively engaged in the anti-nuclearism and has expressed the Pax Christi's dislike with concerns to the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II procurement.