New Bishop Designate for West Virginia: A Historic Appointment

In May 2026 the Catholic Church announced Bishop Evelio Menjívar Ayala as bishop-designate of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, covering West Virginia. The appointment follows Pope Leo’s criticism of “the inhuman treatment of immigrants in the United States.” West Virginia, which supported President Donald Trump in three consecutive elections, has a conservative climate that amplified media focus on Menjívar’s undocumented background.

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Menjívar fled El Salvador’s civil war, entered the United States undocumented at age 18 in 1990, and became a citizen over two decades ago. He served as an auxiliary bishop in the Archdiocese of Washington from 2023. He says “the mere fact of crossing the border undocumented should not define your entire history as an immigrant” and notes that priests may guide the faithful on political matters without endorsing parties.

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Timothy Bishop, spokesperson for the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, said the appointment rests on Menjívar’s pastoral qualities, noting his “reach out to those in the margins” and “support the needs of the less fortunate.” The diocese added that West Virginia’s challenges reflect broader national issues, and the Vatican emphasized Menjívar’s readiness to serve wherever assigned, without framing the move as a political response.

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Kathleen M. Jacobs, a Charleston Gazette-Mail writer who calls herself a “cradle Catholic,” voiced unease about the appointment’s origin outside the diocese and asked whether the decision was meant “to keep the spotlight on the faithful” or “on the politics that have infiltrated every fiber of our country.” She also expressed hope that Menjívar will quickly learn West Virginia’s history and engage with its residents.

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Media reports have linked Menjívar’s immigrant background to the debate between President Trump and Pope Leo, suggesting a political signal. The diocesan spokesperson rejected this framing, emphasizing pastoral considerations. The divergent narratives illustrate a gap between external speculation and internal church explanation.

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• “But there are many challenges that must be worked on so that the Kingdom of God becomes present there.” — Evelio Menjívar Ayala, bishop-designate

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• “I don’t think the pope is sending a message to Trump,” — Evelio Menjívar Ayala

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• “or was it to keep the spotlight on the politics that have infiltrated every fiber of our country?” — Kathleen M. Jacobs, writer

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• “He supports the needs of the less fortunate… Those are things West Virginia needs.” — Timothy Bishop, diocesan spokesperson

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Menjívar’s installation is slated for summer 2026. He says he will continue to speak publicly on immigration policy when it conflicts with human dignity, while maintaining a non-partisan stance. Observers anticipate his tenure may shape local pastoral outreach and broader Catholic discussions on immigrant rights.

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