Pope Leo XIV appointed Evelio Menjivar-Ayala as bishop of West Virginia on May 1, 2026, replacing Bishop Mark E Brennan [1]. Menjivar-Ayala, 55, is a former undocumented immigrant who moved to the United States in 1990 after multiple attempts that included being hidden in a car trunk, imprisonment in Mexico, and crossing the desert [1].
Born on August 14, 1970, in Chalatenango, El Salvador, he survived violence during the Salvadorian civil war with his family before emigrating [1]. After arriving in the US, Menjivar-Ayala worked janitorial and construction jobs before entering the priesthood [1].
Before this appointment, he served as auxiliary bishop in the Archdiocese of Washington and in 2023 became the first Salvadorian bishop in the United States [1]. Reflecting on his new role, Menjivar-Ayala said, "I accepted my new role with great joy and humility" and expressed a desire to engage with young people, the poor, workers, and immigrants [1]. He added, "You are not only the future of the church, you are the present of the church," encouraging hope and faith. He also remarked, "That dream is a light that guides you and, although you don’t understand the plan, you launch yourself with confidence in God" [1].
Pope Leo XIV has previously criticized migrant policies of the Trump administration [1]. Menjivar-Ayala’s appointment marks a significant milestone as he brings his personal immigrant experience to lead the West Virginia diocese.
Menjivar-Ayala’s installation as bishop is expected in the coming months, where he will begin his pastoral leadership in West Virginia.
