It is with joy that we announce the installation of Archbishop Shawn McKnight, S.Th.D., as the 12th Bishop and fifth Archbishop of the Archdiocese. He was appointed Archbishop on April 8, 2025, making him one of the final U.S. bishops named by Pope Francis before the Holy Father’s passing. The Mass of Installation was celebrated today, Tuesday, May 27, at the Church of the Nativity in Leawood, Kansas.
The celebration was attended by numerous dignitaries and representatives from across the Church and civic community. Among those present were Cardinal Christophe Pierre, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States; Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, S.Th.D., Archbishop of Chicago; Cardinal Robert W. McElroy, S.Th.D., Archbishop of Washington, D.C., along with several bishops, religious, and lay faithful from around the country. Also in attendance were Jason Osterhaus, District Director for U.S. Senator Jerry Moran, and several ecumenical and interfaith leaders, including: Bishop Susan Candea (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America); Rev. Scott Phillips (Presbyterian Church); Rev. Canon Lisa Senuta (Episcopal Church); Rabbi David Glickman (Jewish community); and Eric B. Gillis (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints).
A livestream of the Mass of Installation can be viewed here.
Archbishop McKnight, a native of Wichita, Kansas, brings a wealth of pastoral experience and a commitment to synodal leadership. He previously served as Bishop of the Diocese of Jefferson City, Missouri, where he was known for his collaborative approach and dedication to transparency and co-responsibility.
Speaking on the significance of the occasion, Archbishop McKnight offered the following reflection on his installation:
“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. Working with my brother priests and deacons, we will shoulder the yoke of Christ in fostering faith, hope, and charity among all the baptized. “He continued, “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.”