Summary
Mayor Zohran Mamdani, a newly elected democratic-socialist mayor of New York City who became the first Muslim and non-Catholic to hold such office, missed the installation Mass for Archbishop Ronald Hicks at St. Patrick’s Cathedral on February 6. This was contrary to the long-standing tradition where sitting mayors are usually present for archbishop installations. Mamdani met with the Archbishop four days later instead of attending the Mass. Joseph Zwilling, the Archdiocese of New York’s director of communications, confirmed that Mayor Mamdani was invited to the installation but missed it. Helen Arteaga, Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services, attended on his behalf. Following the meeting, Mamdani congratulated Archbishop Hicks via social media and expressed their shared commitment to justice and compassion in creating a better city where every New Yorker can thrive. Criticisms were raised by Bill Donohue of the Catholic League regarding Mamdani’s absence from the Mass, as well as his support for policies that include increased public funding for abortion and transgender surgeries. Mamdani defeated two opponents in the November 2025 election and has since signaled to Catholics through his policies that their presence is not welcome in city affairs.
Key Topics
Mayor absence, Archbishop installation, Catholic League critique
