Welcome Our New Archbishop-designate Shawn McKnight!
Pope Francis has appointed Most Reverend Shawn McKnight, S.Th.D. as the fifth Archbishop and twelfth Bishop of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. The appointment was publicized today in Washington, D.C., by Cardinal Christophe Pierre, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States.
Archbishop-designate McKnight succeeds Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann, who has served as the spiritual father and shepherd of the Archdiocese since 2005. Archbishop Naumann, the fourth Archbishop and eleventh Bishop of the Archdiocese, submitted his resignation upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 75 in June of 2024.
Archbishop-designate McKnight currently serves as Bishop of Jefferson City, Missouri. He was born in Wichita, Kansas, and ordained a priest for the Diocese of Wichita in May 1994.
The Archdiocese will host a press conference today, Tuesday, April 8, at 1 p.m. Archbishop-designate McKnight and Archbishop Naumann will speak. Media representatives are welcome to attend.
Archbishop-designate McKnight will be installed as Archbishop of Kansas City in Kansas at a Mass of Installation on May 27, 2025. Click below to learn more about him.
"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 join 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 compassion and hope. Please know of my prayers for you, and I humbly ask for yours as we embark on this journey of faith together."
A message from Archbishop Naumann
“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 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.”