Faith leaders assemble to install the Catholic church’s newest archbishop in Kansas City
KANSAS CITY, Kan. (KCTV) - Church dignitaries and Catholic leaders assembled in Kansas City to ring in the Mass of Installation for the metro’s new Archbishop.
The Archdiocese of Kansas City, Kansas, announced on Tuesday, May 27, that Archbishop Shawn McKnight has been installed as the 12th Bishop and 5th Archbishop of the Archdiocese. He was appointed on April 8, 2025, to become one of the final U.S. bishops named by Pope Francis before the Holy Father’s ing.
Archdiocese leaders noted that the Mass of Installation was celebrated on Tuesday at the Church of the Nativity in Leawood. Attendees included dignitaries and representatives from across the Church and civic community. Those present included:
- Cardinal Christopher Pierre, Apostolic Nuncio to the U.S.
- Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, Archbishop of Chicago
- Cardinal Robert W. McElroy, Archbishop of Washington, D.C.
- Jason Osterhaus, District Director for U.S. Senator Jerry Moran
- Bishop Susan Candea, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
- Reverand Scott Phillphs, of the Presbyterian Church
- Reverand Canon Lisa Senuta, of the Episcopal Church
- Rabbi David Glickman, of the Jewish Community
- Eric B. Gillis, of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Catholic Church leaders indicated that Archbishop McKnight is a Wichita native who brings a wealth of pastoral experience and commitment to synodal leadership. He previously served as the Bishop of the Diocese of Jefferson City, where he was known for his collaborative approach and dedication to transparency.
“With a humble and grateful heart, as the new Archbishop of Kansas City in Kansas, I come with a sense of mission to proclaim Jesus Christ risen from the dead and to lead our local church in the fulfillment of this sacred duty together,” Archbishop McKnight said. “Working with my brother priests and deacons, we will shoulder the yoke of Christ in fostering faith, hope, and charity among all the baptized. Pope Francis gave me to the faithful of Kansas City, Kansas; I belong to them now. Please pray for me that I may lead our local church with a sense of co-responsibility, recognizing the right and obligation of all the baptized to take up their unique roles in the life and mission of the Church. I vow to lead with an openness of spirit, firm conviction of faith, and with trust in the Holy Spirit.”
The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas serves more than 120,000 faithful Catholics in 21 counties. It was established in 1850 and elevated to an Archdiocese in 1952. For more information about the Archdiocese or the new Archbishop, click HERE.
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