Pope Francis appoints new Kansas archbishop
KANSAS CITY, Kan. (KCTV) - Pope Francis is appointing a new Archbishop in the Kansas City area.
Most Reverend Shawn McKnight is being called as the fifth Archbishop and twelfth Bishop of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas.
Archbishop-designate McKnight succeeds Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann, who has served as the Archdiocese since 2005. Archbishop Naumann submitted his resignation after reportedly reaching the mandatory retirement age of 75 in June 2024.
McKnight currently serves as Bishop of Jefferson City, Missouri. He was born in Wichita and ordained a priest for the Diocese of Wichita in May 1994.
McKnight will be installed as Archbishop of Kansas City in Kansas at a Mass of Installation on May 27.
“I am deeply grateful to our Holy Father, Pope Francis, for entrusting me with the mission of serving the faithful of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. It is with great enthusiasm that I begin this new chapter of my ministry, eager to meet the people, clergy, and religious who make this local Church so vibrant. I come with an open heart, ready to listen, to learn, and to walk alongside you as together we proclaim the joy of the Gospel. As we prepare to move forward together, please me in celebrating the service and the spirit of Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann, who has faithfully shepherded this archdiocese with wisdom, dedication, and a deep love for Christ and His Church. My prayer is that we continue to grow as a synodal and missionary Church, reaching out to all with comion and hope. Please know of my prayers for you, and I humbly ask for yours as we embark on this journey of faith together,” said Archbishop-designate McKnight regarding his appointment to Archbishop.
Archbishop Naumann expressed gratitude for the appointment of his successor: “I am deeply grateful for the privilege of serving as Archbishop of Kansas City in Kansas for over 20 years—it has been a true personal blessing. I’m especially proud of the progress we’ve made in building a culture of evangelization, strengthening marriage and family life, and living the works of mercy. I congratulate Archbishop-designate Shawn McKnight on his appointment. He brings many gifts—keen intellect, deep faith, and a great love for the Church. With his theological expertise, seminary experience, and national service in the clergy and vocations, he is well-prepared to shepherd this Archdiocese. I am confident our priests, deacons, religious, and laity will welcome him as warmly as they welcomed me.”
On Tuesday afternoon, Archbishop Joseph Naumann introduced archbishop-designate Shawn McKnight to a crowd of priests, staff, and church .
They both gave speeches and took questions from the media.
“I am grateful to our Holy Father Pope Francis for entrusting me with this new mission,” McKnight said.
McKnight started off his speech in Spanish, addressing the Spanish-speaking community. He said their relationship and input into the church are paramount to him.
KCTV5 asked about his top priorities; he touched on building relationships within local governments and all communities.
“First and most, to make sure all of our church entities, our parishes, and institutions are laser-focused on our mission as the church,” McKnight said. “The Holy Father is asking us not to look inward so much, but to start looking more outward. That’s the key, to be more inviting, to be more open and welcoming to people.”
Naumann grew emotional as he reflected on his 21 years of leadership.
“So many beautiful memories,” Naumann said. “I am not sad about this. But all of the relationships, friendships, that’s treasured.”
All of this comes one week after Father Arul Carasala was murdered outside his parish rectory in Seneca, Kansas.
Naumann and McKnight both honored him in their speeches and held a private mass in his honor before the introduction.
As for what’s next for Naumann, he told KCTV5 he’ll be around and help wherever he can in this transition.
The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas encomes 12,500 square miles in the northeast quarter of Kansas, serving more than 120,000 Catholics in 21 counties. The Archdiocese was established in 1850 as the Vicariate Apostolic of Indian Territory East of the Rocky Mountains. It became the Diocese of Leavenworth in 1877, was transferred to Kansas City in Kansas in 1947, and elevated to an Archdiocese in 1952.
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