Pope sends clear message as Trump critics elevated to high-ranking posts

Pope Leo XIV has named prelate Evelio Menjivar-Ayala, a former undocumented immigrant, as bishop for deep red West Virginia — a move The Washington Post suggests is designed to send a direct message to Donald Trump about the church's stance on immigration.

Menjivar-Ayala, 55, migrated to the United States in 1990 and made history in 2023 when he became the first Salvadoran bishop in the country. Currently serving as auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of Washington, he is believed to be one of the first U.S. bishops born in Central America.

According to the report, the bishop has been vocal in his criticism of Trump's treatment of immigrants, publicly calling on Catholics to speak out against the administration's immigration crackdowns.

The appointment appears to be part of a broader pattern by Pope Leo XIV to elevate U.S. clergy who are willing to challenge Trump administration policies. On the same day, Leo named Rev. Robert Boxie III, 46, as auxiliary bishop of Washington.

Boxie, who serves as chaplain at Howard University, has spoken extensively about racial progress and warned that Trump's attacks on diversity, equity and inclusion efforts represent a dangerous "regression" in the nation's journey toward racial equality.

"It's really frustrating — especially this moment that we're living in. The attacks on 'DEI' — I don't even know what that means anymore. It's a term that's been hijacked. It means a lot of things to a lot of different people," Boxie told the Catholic news agency OSV.

The timing of Boxie's appointment comes just days after the Supreme Court significantly weakened the Voting Rights Act — a decision that has intensified concerns about racial progress in America.

Since becoming pope last May, Leo XIV and his highest-ranking U.S. allies have become increasingly direct in confronting the Trump administration on multiple fronts, including immigration policy, diversity initiatives, and the administration's war in Iran.