by Archbishop Shawn McKnight
This summer, when the world turns its gaze on the Kansas City metro area as we host the World Cup, we have an unprecedented opportunity to exercise our biblical calling to welcome the stranger. In the Catholic tradition, hospitality is a sacred duty. We believe that to welcome the traveler is to welcome Christ himself!
Pope Leo XIV highlighted this in his June prayer intention asking, “that sport may be an instrument of peace, encounter and dialogue between cultures and peoples, and may promote values such as respect, solidarity, and personal growth.”
Our cities and roadways will be busier than usual; lines may be long, and temperatures may be high, but let us see these circumstances as God-moment opportunities to communicate the universal language of love and hospitality. As we host guests from Argentina, Algeria, Ecuador, Curaçao, Tunisia, the Netherlands, England, Austria, as well as many from all over the United States, we hope they will encounter the one, holy, catholic and apostolic church in Kansas that radiates the joy, peace, mercy and love of our Risen Savior. We are “Team Jesus.” Go team!
Kansas City, in the heartland of our great nation, is known for its vibrant communities of faith. As the multitudes focus on the competition, I ask that our Catholic community quietly form a background of steadfast prayer and generous hospitality. Like a sanctuary, let us hold these athletes, their families and the fans in our hearts — praying for their safety and health, the spirit of fair play and the global unity that this “beautiful game” inspires.
The World Cup will be an historical event for our city and our nation, and we are each afforded a part to play in the unfolding of its story. I am grateful to all involved in organizing this monumental effort, and I especially want to thank Pam Kramer, her KC2026 staff and all the volunteers who have taken on a tremendous and, I’m sure, rewarding endeavor — working tirelessly to offer our signature Kansas City welcome to the world.
Making a connection between athletics and our faith life, Pope Leo’s June intention beautifully concluded: “May your Spirit never be lacking in us, making us one team, united with you to build communion and fraternity in history.” Amen, Holy Father.
