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CV NEWS FEED // Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann of Kansas City and appointed Bishop W. Shawn McKnight of Jefferson City, Missouri, as his successor, the Vatican announced April 8.
The change in leadership was made public in Washington, D.C., by Cardinal Christophe Pierre, apostolic nuncio to the United States, according to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).
Archbishop Naumann, who reached the mandatory retirement age of 75 in June, steps down after more than 20 years of episcopal service in the archdiocese.
In a statement published by the Archdiocese of Kansas City, Archbishop Naumann described his time in service of Kansas City as “a true personal blessing,” adding that he is especially grateful for the progress 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,” the archbishop continued. “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.”
In his final months in the role, Archbishop Naumann took a major role in opposing a series of public satanic rituals and events in Kansas. He consecrated the state to the Immaculate Heart of Mary and called on the faithful to pray for the “spiritual conversion of those taking part in this mockery of our Catholic faith and the beliefs of all Christians.” He also filed a lawsuit against the venue that hosted a satanic “black mass,” citing religious discrimination and the desecration of sacred symbols.
Archbishop Naumann recently comforted the faithful over the April 3 killing of Father Arul Carasala, a beloved priest serving at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Seneca.
“Father Arul was a friend to me and a great priest,” he wrote in a Facebook post after offering Mass at Saints Peter and Paul for the repose of Fr. Carasala’s soul. “I shared in my homily that being a priest today requires heroic love. That quality was evident in Father Arul, who left India to come to the heartland of America and serve the people of the Catholic Church in northeast Kansas.”
Bishop McKnight expressed gratitude to the pope for entrusting him with the new role.
“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,” Bishop McKnight said in a statement published by the archdiocese.
A Wichita native born in 1968, Bishop McKnight led the USCCB’s Secretariat for Clergy, Consecrated Life, and Vocations from 2010 to 2015. He has served as Bishop of Jefferson City, Missouri, since 2018 and will be installed May 27 as Archbishop of Kansas City.
“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,” the bishop continued. “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.”
