Pope Leo XIV has appointed three new bishops in the United States this week, placing figures who have openly criticised Donald Trump into senior church roles at a time of ongoing tensions between the Vatican and the White House.
The appointments, announced in early May 2026, include Bishop Evelio Menjivar, Father Gary Studniewski, and Father Robert Boxie III. According to Newsweek, all three have previously spoken out on political and social issues linked to the Trump administration, from immigration to civil rights and the events of January 6.
