The Vatican announced that Pope Leo XIV has appointed Evelio Menjivar-Ayala as the new bishop of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, a jurisdiction that covers the entire state of West Virginia.
Menjivar-Ayala, 55, currently serves as an auxiliary bishop in the Archdiocese of Washington. He will succeed Mark Brennan, who has led the diocese since 2019. The installation is scheduled for July 2.
Background and Journey
Born in El Salvador, Menjivar-Ayala left his home country as a teenager during the civil war of the late 1980s. After several attempts to reach the United States, he eventually arrived in 1990.
Like many migrants of that period, his journey involved significant hardship, including detention and deportation during transit through Mexico. After arriving in the U.S., he obtained humanitarian protection and later received legal status through a religious worker visa. He eventually became a U.S. citizen.
Before entering the priesthood, Menjivar-Ayala worked in various roles while pursuing his path toward ministry.
Ministry and Leadership
He was ordained as a Catholic priest and has spent much of his career serving communities in and around Washington, D.C., an area with a large Latino Catholic population. His work has focused on pastoral care, community outreach, and ministry among immigrant families.
In 2023, he became the first U.S. Catholic bishop of Salvadoran origin when he was appointed auxiliary bishop in Washington.
Views and Public Commentary
Menjivar-Ayala has spoken publicly about immigration and humanitarian concerns. In past writings, he emphasized the challenges faced by migrants and expressed support for policies that prioritize human dignity and family unity.
His comments have drawn attention in broader discussions about immigration policy, reflecting ongoing national debates on the issue.
Role in West Virginia
As bishop of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, Menjivar-Ayala will oversee a Catholic population estimated between 60,000 and 90,000 members across more than 90 parishes.
The appointment has sparked discussion among observers due to differences between his background and the demographic makeup of the region, which has a relatively small Spanish-speaking population compared to other parts of the country.
Looking Ahead
Church officials have not framed the appointment in political terms, emphasizing instead Menjivar-Ayala’s pastoral experience and leadership within diverse communities.
His installation in July will mark a new chapter for the diocese as it continues its work serving Catholic communities across West Virginia.
Benjamin Harris is a contributor at Miimall.com