‘I will keep defending immigrants’: new bishop, who was smuggled into the US as a teen, joins pope’s resistance to Trump
The Right Rev Evelio Menjivar-Ayala vows to ‘keep talking’ as West Virginia bishop, amid tension between Trump and the Vatican
TL;DR
- Bishop Evelio Menjivar-Ayala, a former immigrant who entered the US illegally, will lead Catholics in West Virginia.
- He intends to continue defending immigrants and advocating for their fair treatment, aligning with Pope Francis.
- Menjivar-Ayala's personal history includes fleeing civil war in El Salvador and multiple attempts to enter the US, including being smuggled in a car trunk.
- His views are informed by his own experiences and the Catholic Church's social doctrine, which he says is grounded in Scripture.
- The bishop's appointment occurs during a period of significant tension between Pope Francis and the Trump administration.
- He plans to address challenges in West Virginia, such as poverty and lack of services, and focus on supporting young people.
- Menjivar-Ayala also aims to rebuild trust within the diocese following past misconduct allegations against a former bishop.