Pope Leo appointed Evelio Menjivar-Ayala, 55, as the new bishop of Wheeling-Charleston, West Virginia, marking a significant move that elevates a man who once hid in a car trunk to enter the United States illegally to one of the church's most prominent leadership roles.
The appointment comes as the pontiff has repeatedly criticized hardline immigration enforcement, positioning the church against the incoming Trump administration's stance on migrants. Menjivar-Ayala became the first Salvadorian bishop in the United States in 2023 and has emerged as a vocal advocate for immigrants' rights.
Born in Chalatenango, El Salvador, on August 14, 1970, Menjivar-Ayala's path to the priesthood unfolded against the backdrop of civil war. He and his family narrowly escaped gunfire from soldiers while fleeing their home. Two earlier attempts to reach the United States failed, blocked by deportation and an abandoned guide. His third attempt succeeded only after a brief detention in Mexico and a trek through the desert.
Describing that journey, Menjivar-Ayala reflected on arriving with minimal possessions but boundless hope. "A backpack with only one change of clothes, but it was full of dreams, of illusions that sometimes we do not understand," he said. "That dream is a light that guides you and, although you don't understand the plan, you launch yourself with confidence in God."
Once in the United States, he prioritized education, learning English and earning his GED while working janitorial and construction jobs. A calling at a Silver Spring, Maryland parish led him to seminary and eventually the priesthood. He has served as an auxiliary bishop in the Washington archdiocese since 2023.
At a Friday press conference announcing his appointment, Menjivar-Ayala accepted the role with "great joy and humility." He pledged to listen to young people, the poor, workers and immigrants, telling Catholics that young people represent "not only the future of the church, you are the present of the church." He also thanked Pope Leo, whom he called the "first American pope."
The appointment reflects Pope Leo's ongoing critique of U.S. immigration policy. When asked about current enforcement practices, the pontiff told reporters that foreigners in America face treatment that is "extremely disrespectful." He has called for deep reflection on how the country welcomes outsiders, questioning whether migrants receive hospitality or rejection.
The pope's stance has drawn criticism from Trump, who posted on Truth Social last month that Leo was "WEAK on Crime, and terrible for Foreign Policy."
Menjivar-Ayala replaces Bishop Mark E. Brennan, whose resignation the pope approved in connection with the appointment.
Author James Rodriguez: "A bishop who smuggled himself into America now leads West Virginia's Catholics, right as the church prepares to clash with Trump over migration. The symbolism is unmissable, and the timing is no accident."
Comments