Pope Appoints Former Undocumented Immigrant as West Virginia Bishop

The appointment of Bishop Evelio Menjivar-Ayala to lead the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston is a profoundly significant moment, resonating deeply within the Catholic community and beyond. As reported by The Guardian, the Pope's decision to elevate a man who once navigated the perilous journey to the United States as an undocumented immigrant is a powerful statement. It underscores a commitment to inclusivity and a recognition of the lived experiences of those often marginalized.

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I accepted my new role with great joy and humility.

Bishop Menjivar-Ayala's own narrative—from surviving civil war violence in El Salvador to enduring arduous attempts to reach the US, including imprisonment and a desert crossing—is a testament to resilience and faith. His description of carrying "a backpack with only one change of clothes, but it was full of dreams, of illusions" speaks volumes about the hope that drives so many seeking a better life. His subsequent dedication to education, work, and ultimately, the priesthood, serves as an inspiration.

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a backpack with only one change of clothes, but it was full of dreams, of illusions that sometimes we do not understand. That dream is a light that guides you and, although you don’t understand the plan, you launch yourself with confidence in God.

This appointment also arrives at a time of intense debate surrounding immigration policies. Bishop Menjivar-Ayala's past advocacy against what he terms Donald Trump's "aggressive policies toward immigrants," and Pope Leo XIV's own criticisms of the "extremely disrespectful way" foreigners are treated in the US, frame this event within a broader national conversation. From our perspective, this is not just a change in leadership for a diocese; it is a symbolic affirmation of the dignity of immigrants and a challenge to policies that lack compassion. It highlights a stark contrast to the rhetoric often heard from figures like Donald Trump, who has previously described the Pope as 'WEAK on Crime.'

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We are partners in mission.