Pope Leo XIV Appoints Former Undocumented Immigrant as Bishop of West Virginia

Pope Leo XIV named Bishop Evelio Menjivar-Ayala, a former undocumented immigrant from El Salvador, as the new bishop of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, which covers all of West Virginia. Menjivar-Ayala, who became a U.S. citizen in 2006, previously served as auxiliary bishop of the Washington archdiocese. His selection reflects Pope Leo’s emphasis on leaders who prioritize pastoral care.

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• 1990 – Crossed the U.S. border undocumented.

The Guardian

• 2022 – Appointed auxiliary bishop of Washington; May 2026 – Elevated to bishop of West Virginia.

CNN

A May 2026 Harvard/Harris poll shows 55 % of Americans favor deporting all illegal immigrants. West Virginia’s population is 93 % white, with 2.4 % Latino residents, while the Washington archdiocese is 40 % Latino. West Virginia ranks among the nation’s poorest states, with limited services. The poll reflects a rise from the March survey.

The Guardian

The appointment places an immigrant leader in a predominantly white, low-immigrant state, reinforcing the Catholic Church’s emphasis on immigrant rights. It also occurs amid heightened tension between the Vatican and President Donald Trump over U.S. immigration policy. The bishop’s presence may reshape outreach to marginalized groups.

The Guardian

Pope Leo XIV has condemned “inhuman treatment of immigrants in the United States.” President Trump warned the pope that his comments “endanger a lot of Catholics.” Diocesan spokesperson Timothy Bishop said Menjivar-Ayala “reaches out to those in the margins” and called the appointment pastoral, not political. Menjivar-Ayala told reporters he “doesn’t think the pope is sending a message to Trump,” framing his role as service to all communities. The pope’s immigration remarks have defined his first year.

The Guardian

West Virginia writer Kathleen M. Jacobs questioned whether the appointment was intended to keep “the spotlight on the politics that have infiltrated every fiber of our country.” Trump’s administration framed the pope’s immigration stance as politically charged. Some parishioners expressed uncertainty about the bishop’s priorities.

CNN

Sources differ on whether the appointment was a deliberate response to Trump; the Vatican offered no explicit political motive, while commentators infer a signal. The Vatican declined comment on the political dimension.

The Guardian

• “I will keep talking about people’s reality, defending immigrants and fighting for fair treatment for them,” — Evelio Menjivar-Ayala, Right Rev

The Guardian

• “Above all, I want to listen to the poor,” — Evelio Menjivar-Ayala

The Guardian

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

CNN

Menjivar-Ayala’s installation is slated for summer 2026. He intends to address poverty, marginalization and youth retention in West Virginia while continuing to advocate for humane immigration policies at the national level. He will also focus on immigrant families and schools.

The Guardian