The Diocese of Jefferson City will soon need a new bishop.

Pope Francis announced Tuesday, April 8 that Shawn McKnight, who has led the diocese since 2017, will become the archbishop of Kansas City in Kansas. McKnight will remain in Jefferson City until May 27, when he is formally installed. The new archbishop is a Kansas native, having grown up in Wichita and later pastor parishes there before his appointment to Jefferson City.

In a statement, McKnight said that, “My heart is filled with gratitude for the faithful of the Diocese of Jefferson City” and that the diocese will hold a place in his heart. He went on say that, “I am confident that God’ providence will continue to guide and bless you in the days ahead.”

When McKnight becomes Archbishop in Kansas, the Diocese of Jefferson City will convene their College of Consultors to elect an administrator, who will lead the diocese until Pope Francis names a new bishop. The Diocese of Jefferson City covers 38 counties in central and northeast Missouri, including Benton, Chariton, Cooper, Howard, Linn, Macon, Moniteau, Morgan, Pettis, Randolph and Saline counties.