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Pope Leo names former undocumented migrant Evelio Menjivar-Ayala bishop of West Virginia

newsMay 1, 2026292,119

Pope Leo named Evelio Menjivar-Ayala, a Salvadoran WHO was smuggled into the United States in a car trunk, as bishop of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston in West Virginia. Menjivar-Ayala, 56, has served as an auxiliary bishop in the Archdiocese of Washington and has urged Catholics to speak out against harsh immigration policies, asking, "Do you not see the suffering? Is your conscience not disturbed?" The appointment, announced alongside the elevation of the Rev. Robert Boxie III, places a formerly undocumented immigrant in a U.S. diocesan leadership role and highlights immigration and diversity issues within the American Catholic hierarchy.

America's Voice
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"Pope Leo on Friday named a formerly undocumented immigrant who was smuggled into the U.S. in a car trunk to be bishop of West Virginia" From fleeing violence to working construction and other jobs, Bishop Evelio Menjivar-Ayala embodies the dignity of immigrant labor and the power of perseverance.

8094h ago
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