by Jay Soldner
Special to The Leaven
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Archbishop Shawn McKnight and Bishop James Johnston celebrated a Welcome Mass at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in downtown Kansas City, Missouri, June 14 as the FIFA World Cup 2026 festivities began across the metropolitan area. Among those attending the Mass, just blocks from the World Cup Fan Fest, were about 100 Kansas City area Catholics, along with members of the Knights of Columbus from both sides of the state line, representing the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas and the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph.
In his homily, Archbishop McKnight reflected on the connection between the world’s most popular sports event and the Catholic way of life.
“Our Mass today near the beginning of the World Cup is a wonderful way for us Catholics to manifest our perspective that all things human, even our propensity and attraction to sports, can also be expressions of deeper spiritual values.”
Archbishop McKnight thanked the local organizers, the many volunteers and community leaders who are helping organize hospitality efforts to welcome visitors from around the world to Kansas City.
“I would also like to recognize all here present who have helped our local community, not just the Catholic community, provide hospitality for the many fans who have traveled and will be traveling to stay with us and enjoy the games and fun activities our community is making available during these several weeks. I am particularly grateful for the leadership provided by a fellow Catholic and CEO of KC2026, the local non-profit organization responsible for the planning, strategy and host-city duties for the local FIFA World Cup events. Our thanks to you, Pam Kramer, and to all the staff and the team of volunteers who are working so hard to make Kansas City a “home away from home” for World Cup fans from throughout the world.”
Archbishop McKnight noted that the World Cup provides a special opportunity for people of different nations, cultures and languages to unite.
“We are blessed to experience this mixing of people from different nations, cultures and languages, all centered around the game of soccer and the healthy competitions among the teams of the nations,” said the archbishop.
“The World Cup event is about the beautiful game of soccer as a team sport: It is all about belonging to a team, whether as a player, a coach, support staff or as a fan. And so it is with our Catholic faith.”
“We belong to Jesus’ team and have been trained and readied for the life and mission of our church,” Archbishop McKnight said.
Drawing from the day’s Gospel readings, Archbishop McKnight encouraged Catholics to see themselves as active players in the mission of the church, rather than simply spectators.
“God has called you to join him on his Team Church; don’t just sit on the sidelines as a passive spectator,” he said. “Be a great player in the game of Catholic life!”
Following the Mass, all were invited to a reception and World Cup watch party. The Bishop Hogan Center quickly filled as the congregation filed in to find the large room full of refreshments — and two large projectors showing the match between the Netherlands and Japan.
Those who stayed for the entire match were treated to a thrilling second half with goals scored by each team one after another — twice — ending in a 2-2 draw.
