In a move that underscores a continued emphasis on the lived experience of migrants within the church hierarchy, Pope Leo XIV has appointed Bishop Evelio Menjivar-Ayala to lead the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston in West Virginia. The appointment, announced on May 1, 2026, marks a significant transition for the West Virginia diocese and highlights the ascent of a leader whose own journey to the episcopacy began as an undocumented immigrant fleeing civil war.
Bishop Menjivar-Ayala, who previously served as an auxiliary bishop of Washington, succeeds Most Reverend Mark E. Brennan. The transition follows the Vatican’s acceptance of Bishop Brennan’s resignation, a move confirmed by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) on May 1, 2026 via an official USCCB announcement.
The appointment of Bishop Menjivar-Ayala is more than a routine administrative change. For many, it represents a symbolic victory for the millions of migrants and undocumented individuals who navigate the complexities of the American legal system. Having once faced the perils of undocumented migration himself, Menjivar-Ayala brings a perspective to the leadership of the West Virginia Catholic community that is rare at the highest levels of church authority.
From Undocumented Migrant to Bishop
The trajectory of Bishop Menjivar-Ayala’s life is a testament to a journey from the margins of society to the center of ecclesiastical power. Born in El Salvador, he arrived in the United States in 1990 during the aftermath of his home country’s brutal civil war. His arrival was not a seamless process; he faced repeated failures and deportations while attempting to cross the southern border as a teenager.
According to reporting by The Washington Post, Menjivar-Ayala attempted to enter the U.S. Three times in a single year. His first attempt ended in deportation from Mexico, his second was thwarted by a guide in Guatemala and his third attempt resulted in his apprehension and imprisonment in Mexico as detailed in a Washington Post profile. These early hardships defined his later ministry and his public advocacy for the dignity of migrants.
After eventually establishing himself in the United States, he pursued a vocation in the priesthood, eventually being ordained in 2004. His rise within the church continued until 2023, when he became the first Salvadoran-born bishop in the D.C. Region. This milestone was a precursor to his current appointment in West Virginia, cementing his role as a voice for the immigrant community within the American Catholic hierarchy.
Leading the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston
The Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston covers the entirety of West Virginia, a region with a distinct cultural and socioeconomic landscape. By placing a leader with a history of migration and struggle at the helm, Pope Leo XIV is signaling a commitment to a “pastoral” approach to leadership—one that prioritizes empathy for the displaced and the marginalized.
Bishop Menjivar-Ayala has been vocal about the role of immigrants in American society. In an interview with EWTN’s News in Depth
on March 14, 2025, he expressed the conviction that immigrants develop the United States a great nation
and make society better
according to EWTN News. This philosophy is expected to influence his governance of the West Virginia diocese, particularly in how the church engages with social services and advocacy for the poor.
The transition of power in West Virginia is part of a broader series of appointments by Pope Leo XIV. Along with the appointment of Bishop Menjivar-Ayala, the Pope has named Father Gary Studniewski and Father Robert Boxie as new auxiliary bishops of Washington, and accepted the retirement of Bishop Roy Campbell Jr.
The Impact of the Appointment
The appointment is likely to resonate across several different stakeholders:
- The Migrant Community: For undocumented and legal immigrants, the elevation of a former undocumented migrant to a diocesan bishop provides a powerful sense of visibility and validation.
- The West Virginia Faithful: The Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston will now be led by a bishop who combines administrative experience from the Washington archdiocese with a personal history of hardship.
- The Global Church: This move aligns with the broader goals of the papacy to diversify the episcopacy and integrate the experiences of the “peripheries” into the leadership of the church.
A Ministry of Empathy and Faith
Bishop Menjivar-Ayala’s approach to faith is deeply personal. He has previously described faith as a path where God sets the pace
, reflecting a philosophy of patience and trust in divine timing. This perspective was honed during his years as a pastor at St. Mary’s Parish in Landover Hills, Maryland, where he served since 2017 before his elevation to the episcopate.
His advocacy does not stop at the doors of the church. In April 2025, he challenged fellow Catholics to examine their own hearts regarding immigration policies, questioning whether the church had done enough to support those fleeing violence and poverty in Central America. This willingness to challenge the status quo suggests that his tenure in West Virginia may be characterized by a strong emphasis on social justice and humanitarian outreach.
By appointing a man who has known the fear of deportation and the uncertainty of undocumented status, Pope Leo XIV is not merely filling a vacancy; he is making a statement about the nature of leadership in the modern church. The appointment suggests that the ability to lead a flock is not just found in theological expertise or administrative skill, but in the capacity to remember what This proves like to be the stranger at the gate.
The Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston now awaits the formal installation of Bishop Menjivar-Ayala. The next official step will be the scheduling of his installation Mass, where he will formally take possession of the witness and begin his ministry in West Virginia.
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