“…I came to the United States in 1990, unchecked.”
The Holy Father has appointed a man from El Salvador who entered the country illegally as Bishop of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, West Virginia, US.
In a short video obtained by Advocatus Africa, Monsignor Evelio Menjivar-Ayala said, “I came to the United States in 1990, unchecked.”
Most Rev. Evelio Menjivar-Ayala narrates his ordeal. Credit: USCCBMRS.
“…I came to the United States in 1990, unchecked.”
In May 2026, Pope Leo XIV appointed the Most Rev. Evelio Menjivar-Ayala as the 10th bishop of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, making him the first Salvadoran-born bishop to lead a U.S. diocese.
Further narrating his ordeal, Menjivar-Ayala stated, “…I came to the United States in 1990, unchecked – I crossed the border by San Isidro in California, but a few weeks after, I applied for political asylum. I got the permit to work and to stay, but it took me seven years in order to go back to El Salvador.”
The Bishop elect, who was ordained into the Catholic order in 2000 as part of the Archdiocese of Washington, detailed that, “it was a difficult time being away from my family and not being able to see my parents.”
Advocatus Africa learnt that the appointment of Menjivar-Ayala, who had made three attempts as a teenager to enter the United States illegally, until he successfully arrived in California in 1990 and applied for political asylum comes amid broader political tension.
Background and Journey
Born in El Salvador, Menjivar-Ayala fled the country’s civil war as a teenager in the late 1980s, he arrived in the United States undocumented in 1990.
Before entering the priesthood, he worked in construction and as a janitor while attending night school to learn English.
After gaining humanitarian protection and later religious worker status, he became a U.S. citizen two decades ago. He previously served as an auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of Washington.
Screenshot of Most Rev. Evelio Menjivar-Ayala.
Key Aspects of the Appointment
He replaces Bishop Mark E. Brennan, whose resignation was accepted by the Pope according to reports from the National Catholic Reporter.
Known for his “smell of the sheep” approach, he is a vocal advocate for workers and immigrants. He has publicly criticized strict deportation policies while urging national reconciliation.
Outlets like MSN have noted that this appointment aligns with a series of selections by Pope Leo XIV that favor leaders known for their advocacy on social issues and immigration reform.
His appointment marks a significant shift for the Church in West Virginia
On Truth Social, US President Donald Trump, who is known for his stern laws on immigration, had referred to Pope Leo as “WEAK on Crime.”
Menjivar-Ayala’s appointment by the Vatican is a signature statement towards an inclusive society where the world looks to the Church for leadership.
Though his appointment marks a significant shift for the Catholic Church in West Virginia, the new Bishop is known for his support for immigrant communities and diversity.
The people of God expect Menjivar-Ayala to bring a dogged leadership that characterises unity in diversity in his new role.
The formal installation of Menjivar-Ayala as substantive bishop is scheduled for July 2, 2026.
