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Pope Appoints Former Undocumented Immigrant as Bishop, Sparking Immigration Policy Debate
The Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston defended Pope Leo XIV’s appointment of Bishop Evelio Menjivar-Ayala on Friday, amid growing tensions between the Vatican and Washington over immigration policies. The appointment makes Menjivar-Ayala, who once entered the United States illegally as a teenager fleeing war-torn El Salvador, the new bishop of the diocese that encompasses all of West Virginia.
Menjivar-Ayala’s journey to the United States involved multiple failed attempts to cross the border. After being caught and deported to Guatemala, imprisoned in Mexico, and traveling through jungle terrain, he finally succeeded when an elderly American smuggled him and three others in a car trunk through the San Ysidro border checkpoint in California.
“Bishop Evelio came to America some time ago looking for a better life and better opportunities, and thank God he did because he will shepherd the faith of our diocese,” said Tim Bishop, spokesperson for the Wheeling diocese, who praised the clergyman’s pastoral work and service to Fox News Digital.
The appointment comes at a time of heightened scrutiny of immigration enforcement under the Trump administration. Menjivar-Ayala has been outspoken about immigration issues, previously criticizing enforcement measures as human rights concerns. In a 2025 Catholic Standard column titled “This Ordeal is the Passion,” he compared the suffering of immigrants and refugees to Christ’s crucifixion.
“While redemptive suffering is a grace, it would be better still if these injustices and infamies did not happen at all,” wrote Menjivar-Ayala, calling for people to speak up against what he termed the “dark side of anti-immigrant animus.”
The appointment has drawn attention from media outlets in both the United States and France, with many viewing it through the lens of Pope Leo’s reported disagreements with Trump’s immigration policies. The Washington Post characterized the move as another effort to “elevate” American clergy relevant to points of tension with the Trump administration.
Tim Bishop rejected suggestions that the appointment was politically motivated, stating: “Any insinuation that the Holy Father made this or any other appointment in any way to increase vitriol or insinuate that it gets back at the president of the United States is absurd.” He emphasized that the Roman Catholic Church “worries about the lamb, not the elephant or the donkey.”
Christopher Hale, publisher of “Letters from Leo” and a former DNC delegate, called Menjivar-Ayala a “remarkable choice” to lead a “state that is over 90% White and voted for President Trump by 42 points.”
After arriving in the United States, Menjivar-Ayala initially took janitorial jobs, including cleaning a UPS site in Hyattsville, Maryland, where he relocated to be near extended family. He began working as a youth minister and later obtained a green card through what he described as an existing religious visa policy.
At a 2025 forum, when asked about criticism from Trump administration officials like border czar Thomas Homan regarding the Catholic Church’s stance on immigration enforcement, Menjivar-Ayala responded that it was for those officials to discern how they were living the Gospel: “The question is for them, for those who claim to be Catholic but are not seeing the face of Christ in the migrants.”
The appointment comes amid other signs of tension between the Trump administration and the Vatican. President Trump has publicly stated he has “nothing against” Leo, who is the first American pope, but has quipped that he prefers the pontiff’s “brother [Louis] who is MAGA all the way.”
Recently, the Department of Health & Human Services Office of Refugee Resettlement canceled an $11 million contract with Catholic Charities of Miami that had aided in housing unaccompanied minors, further highlighting tensions between the administration and Catholic relief organizations involved in immigration issues.
While Trump has not yet met with Pope Leo, the pontiff has held audiences with Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker and former Obama advisor David Axelrod, adding to perceptions of political distance between the White House and Vatican.
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8 Comments
The bishop’s personal journey as an immigrant is certainly compelling. I wonder how his experiences will shape his approach to leading the diocese and advocating for immigration reform.
This appointment could be a pivotal moment in the ongoing dialogue between the Vatican and US government on immigration policy.
The bishop’s journey as an undocumented immigrant turned Catholic leader is a powerful narrative. I’m curious to learn more about his plans to address immigration-related challenges within the diocese.
Interesting move by the Pope to appoint a former undocumented immigrant as bishop in a conservative state. This highlights the complex issues surrounding immigration and the Church’s role in supporting diverse communities.
It will be fascinating to see how this appointment is received and how the bishop navigates the political landscape as he takes on his new responsibilities.
This appointment challenges the notion that the Church is out of touch with the realities faced by immigrant communities. It will be interesting to see how the bishop leverages his unique perspective to shape the diocese’s priorities.
While the conservative state may initially be skeptical of the Pope’s choice, the bishop’s pastoral work and service could help bridge divides and promote greater understanding. This is an important step towards inclusion.
It will be crucial for the bishop to balance his personal story with a unifying vision for the diocese and the community at large.