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Bishop Appointment in West Virginia
Pope Leo XIV named Evelio Menjivar-Ayala, 56, as bishop of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston in West Virginia, after he served as auxiliary bishop in Washington.
“On Friday, Pope Leo XIV named Evelio Menjivar-Ayala, 56, currently auxiliary bishop in Washington, as bishop of the Wheeling-Charleston Diocese in West Virginia”
The Vatican announced the appointment on Friday, May 1, and Le Parisien said the nomination followed Pope Leo XIV’s criticism of the war in Iran and Donald Trump’s immigration policy.
Menjivar-Ayala was born in El Salvador and emigrated to the United States in 1990, according to the Washington Diocese’s website, and he was first detained in Mexico while attempting to enter the United States.
Le Figaro reported that he was ordained a priest in 2004, and it said Pope Leo XIV came under criticism last month from Donald Trump, who called him 'weak'.
In the same context, Le Parisien said Pope Leo XIV described Trump’s migrant policy as 'extremely disrespectful,' calling on people to 'treat migrants with humanity.'
Trump Criticism and Catholic Voices
Le Parisien said Pope Leo XIV faced criticism last month from Donald Trump, who called him 'weak' after describing Trump’s threat to destroy Iran as 'unacceptable.'
Le Figaro added that Pope Leo XIV described the U.S. president’s migrant policy as 'extremely disrespectful,' calling for 'treating people with humanity.'
America's Voice described Menjivar-Ayala as urging Americans to stand up for their immigrant neighbors, and it said he pledged during a press event announcing his elevation to bishop of West Virginia to stand by working people, including immigrants.
America's Voice quoted Menjivar-Ayala’s National Catholic Reporter op-ed rebuking the federal government’s mass deportation agenda, writing, "Do you not see the suffering of your neighbors?"
In that same op-ed, America’s Voice quoted him asking, "How can you stay quiet?" as he referenced Jesus’ warning in Matthew 25:41-46.
Migrant Story and Church Stakes
America's Voice said Menjivar-Ayala fled for his life hidden in the trunk of a car, and it described his journey as including deportation and a guide who deserted the migrant group.
“Evelio Menjivar-Ayala, who has served as an auxiliary bishop in the archdiocese of Washington D.C. since 2023”
It also said he arrived in the U.S. with just an extra set of clothes as his only possessions, worked in construction and janitorial services, and earned his GED before entering the priesthood.
Radio LFM reported that the Vatican announced his appointment as bishop of the Wheeling-Charleston diocese in West Virginia, and it said Pope Leo XIV appointed him on Friday after criticizing the war in Iran and Donald Trump’s immigration policy.
Radio LFM also said Menjivar-Ayala was first arrested in Mexico while attempting to enter the United States, and in an interview last year he said he paid a bribe to be released and crossed the border at Tijuana.
America's Voice framed the appointment as a continued affirmation of the pro-immigrant legacy established by the late Pope Francis and continued under Pope Leo XIV’s term, citing Pope Leo XIV’s November condemnation of the U.S. government’s mistreatment of immigrants.
