Pope Leo names priest who criticized Trump's immigration crackdown as West Virginia bishop

Key Points:

• Menjivar-Ayala, newly appointed bishop of West Virginia, emphasizes his commitment to listening to marginalized communities, including immigrants and the poor, highlighting the church's mission to serve all people regardless of background.
• Despite the state's predominantly white population and small Latino community, Menjivar-Ayala brings extensive experience advocating for immigrant rights from his ministry in the Washington archdiocese, where over 40% of parishioners are Latino.
• His appointment follows a turbulent period for the Wheeling-Charleston diocese, which faced scandals under previous leadership, and he aims to unite the diverse population of West Virginia's 61,000 Catholics across 92 parishes.
• Cardinal Robert McElroy praised Menjivar-Ayala's passionate advocacy for justice and care for Hispanic and immigrant communities, noting his outspoken criticism of aggressive immigration enforcement policies under the Trump administration.
• Menjivar-Ayala's installation on July 2 marks one of several recent U.S. bishop appointments of Latin America-born priests, reflecting the growing importance of foreign-born clergy amid declining priestly ordinations nationwide.