Pope Leo XIV has appointed a former undocumented migrant as bishop of West Virginia, a move seen as a bold statement on immigration. The Vatican announced the nomination of 56-year-old Evelio Menjivar-Ayala, currently an auxiliary bishop in Washington, to the diocese of Wheeling-Charleston in West Virginia.
Menjivar-Ayala, born in El Salvador, migrated to the United States in 1990, fleeing poverty and conflict in his native country. He has spoken publicly about his experiences as a refugee, including being detained in Mexico and paying a bribe to cross the border at Tijuana.
Immigration and the Catholic Church
The Catholic Church has been a vocal advocate for migrants’ rights, with Pope Leo XIV criticizing the treatment of migrants in the US as “extremely disrespectful”. The Pope has also called for Americans to demand their congressmen “work for peace” in the face of conflict in the Middle East.
The appointment of Menjivar-Ayala comes amid a high-profile row between Pope Leo XIV and US President Donald Trump. The Pope has been critical of Trump’s immigration policies, while Trump has slammed the Pope as “WEAK on Crime, and terrible for Foreign Policy”. For more information on the Catholic Church’s stance on immigration, visit the Vatican’s official website.
Background on Menjivar-Ayala
Menjivar-Ayala was ordained as a priest in 2004 and became a bishop in 2023. His appointment to the diocese of Wheeling-Charleston in West Virginia is seen as a significant move by the Pope to address the issue of immigration.
Here are some key facts about Menjivar-Ayala’s background:
- Born in El Salvador in 1967
- Migrated to the US in 1990
- Ordained as a priest in 2004
- Became a bishop in 2023
The appointment of Menjivar-Ayala is a significant development in the ongoing debate over immigration in the US. As the Catholic Church continues to advocate for migrants’ rights, the Pope’s move is seen as a powerful statement on the need for compassion and understanding.
