Former Bishop Menjivar-Ayala Details Journey Following Appointment
Evelio Menjivar-Ayala, a 55-year-old former auxiliary bishop previously associated with Washington, was born in El Salvador in 1990 and immigrated to the United States the same year, according to reports from the French news agency AFP. In interviews, Menjivar-Ayala recounted his upbringing marked by poverty and the impetus to leave his homeland due to escalating violence. His journey to the United States involved initial detention in Mexico, where he stated he secured his release through bribery.
Subsequently, he crossed the border at Tijuana. Menjivar-Ayala was ordained as a priest in 2004 and later appointed as a bishop in 2023. The appointment occurred amidst reported tensions between Pope Leo XIV and former U.S.
President Donald Trump. The Pope had recently voiced criticism regarding the United States’ approach to refugees and migration, advocating for a more compassionate response. President Trump responded to these statements, characterizing them as disrespectful.
AFP notes that the appointment of this former salvador bishop took place during a period of diplomatic strain between the Vatican and the U.S. government.
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