Bishop Evelio Menjivar-Ayala appointed to lead West Virginia Catholic Church
Updated
Updated · The Washington Post · May 9
Bishop Evelio Menjivar-Ayala appointed to lead West Virginia Catholic Church
11 articles · Updated · The Washington Post · May 9
The 55-year-old Salvadoran-born bishop, appointed last week by Pope Leo, leaves Washington to head the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, where Catholics make up 6% to 8% of residents.
Menjivar-Ayala said his defence of migrants and human dignity would continue, though he would also focus on poverty and other local needs in a state that strongly backed Donald Trump.
The first Salvadoran bishop in the US, he was made an auxiliary bishop in Washington in 2023 and said Pope Leo is continuing Francis-era priorities on migrants and pastoral leadership.
How will a Salvadoran immigrant bishop lead a largely white, non-immigrant diocese in the heart of Appalachia?
Why is the first American Pope spending America's 250th birthday on a migrant island in Italy?
Is the recent surge of young people joining the Catholic Church a lasting revival or a fleeting trend?
Bishop Evelio Menjivar-Ayala’s Appointment: A New Era of Diversity and Social Justice for the U.S. Catholic Church
Overview
The Catholic Church is undergoing a major leadership transition with the appointment of Bishop Evelio Menjivar-Ayala, whose installation is set for July 2, 2026. Bishop Menjivar-Ayala, who accepted his new role with joy and humility, brings a powerful personal story as a former war refugee and undocumented immigrant from El Salvador. His journey to becoming a U.S. citizen and his deep empathy for marginalized communities shape his ministry. The faithful eagerly anticipate his installation, which will mark the beginning of a new chapter for the diocese and highlight the Church’s commitment to inclusion and social justice.