Pope Leo XIV Appoints Bishops Menjivar-Ayala and Boxie: A Statement on Immigration and Racial Equality
Pope Leo XIV has appointed prelate Evelio Menjivar-Ayala, a former undocumented immigrant, as bishop for West Virginia, a move that is seen as a statement on the church's stance on immigration. Menjivar-Ayala, who migrated to the U.S. in 1990, is known for his criticism of Trump's immigration policies and is one of the first U.S. bishops born in Central America. He currently serves as an auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of Washington.
The appointment of Menjivar-Ayala is part of a trend by Pope Leo XIV to promote U.S. clergy who are willing to challenge Trump administration policies. On the same day, Rev. Robert Boxie III, a chaplain at Howard University, was named as an auxiliary bishop of Washington. Boxie has spoken out against Trump's attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, calling them a dangerous regression in the nation's journey toward racial equality.
Boxie's appointment comes shortly after the Supreme Court weakened the Voting Rights Act, raising concerns about racial progress in America. Since becoming pope, Leo XIV and his U.S. allies have been more direct in confronting the Trump administration on issues such as immigration, diversity initiatives, and the war in Iran.
In conclusion, Pope Leo XIV's appointment of prelate Evelio Menjivar-Ayala and Rev. Robert Boxie III as bishops in Washington sends a clear message about the church's stance on immigration and racial equality. These appointments reflect a broader trend of promoting clergy who are willing to challenge Trump administration policies on various fronts.