The Right Rev Evelio Menjivar-Ayala, the newly appointed bishop for West Virginia Catholics, has pledged to continue speaking up for immigrants, echoing Pope Leo's stance amid tensions between the Vatican and the Trump administration. Menjivar-Ayala, 55, was elevated from auxiliary bishop in Washington DC to lead the diocese covering West Virginia, becoming the first Latino American bishop from El Salvador. He arrived in the US as a teenager, smuggled in the trunk of a car.
"I will keep talking about people's reality, defending immigrants and fighting for fair treatment for them," Menjivar-Ayala said in an interview with the Guardian at the archdiocese of Washington offices in Hyattsville, Maryland.
Personal Connection to Immigration
Nearly 40 years after fleeing El Salvador's civil war and crossing the US-Mexico border into California, Menjivar-Ayala still identifies with migrants. Every time he hears about Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids, he tells himself "that immigrant could be me." He made headlines in April for speaking out against the Trump administration's mass arrest, detention, and deportation agenda, calling it "highly visible operations of questionable legality."
Pope's Influence and Tensions
His appointment as bishop is seen as a clear sign from Pope Leo, who has also defended immigrants and is embroiled in a battle with the White House over the US-Israel War on Iran. Trump warned the pope was "endangering a lot of Catholics" with his comments against war, while Vice-President JD Vance advised Leo to "stick to matters of morality." Menjivar-Ayala avoids naming Trump administration members but emphasizes a moral approach: "We are not approaching this from a partisan political standpoint, but from a moral one."
Church's Social Doctrine
Menjivar-Ayala grounds his defense of immigrants in church social doctrine, quoting Matthew 25: "Whatever you did for one of these least ones, you did for me." He says, "I won't stop talking about what matters to people today because I am committed to everyone."
Journey to the US
Menjivar-Ayala recalls his perilous journey: three attempts to reach the US, including being turned back in Mexico and Guatemala, and a stint in a Mexican jail. He and his brother finally succeeded by hiding in a smuggler's car trunk. He worked various jobs in California, learned English, and earned his GED. He became a US citizen in 2006, 16 years after crossing the border.
New Diocese and Challenges
His new diocese, Wheeling-Charleston in West Virginia, has the lowest percentage of foreign-born residents in the US. Only 2.4% of West Virginians are Latino. Menjivar-Ayala sees this as an opportunity: "It shows that immigrants have the ability to adapt." He is aware of the state's poverty and plans to focus on young people, helping them stay and contribute.
He replaces Bishop Mark Brennan, who handled the aftermath of allegations against his predecessor, Michael Bransfield, for sexual and financial misconduct. Menjivar-Ayala praises Brennan's work to rebuild trust and aims to continue that mission with integrity.
Call to Action
When asked about those who have lost hope, Menjivar-Ayala encourages action: "We need to learn how to defend our rights. Especially those who have a legal status, it's important to speak out, to show solidarity, to get involved in the fight, to go out and vote, not to be afraid." He concludes, "Participation in political and social life is important for change to happen."
