NYC Mayor’s THIRD Attack on Catholic Community Exposed

New York City’s progressive mayor has shattered nearly a century of tradition by refusing to attend the installation of the city’s new Catholic Archbishop, delivering a stinging rebuke to 2.5 million Catholic New Yorkers who deserve respect from their elected leaders.

Story Highlights

Mayor Zohran Mamdani became the first NYC mayor since 1939 to skip an archbishop’s installation ceremony
Mamdani hosted an interfaith breakfast the same morning just a short walk from St. Patrick’s Cathedral but chose not to attend the historic Catholic ceremony
Catholic League labeled the snub as Mamdani’s third deliberate slight against the city’s Catholic community
The progressive mayor’s absence breaks a bipartisan tradition respected by every mayor for 87 years, regardless of personal faith

Breaking Decades of Bipartisan Tradition

Mayor Zohran Mamdani made history on February 9, 2026, by becoming the first New York City mayor in nearly a century to skip the installation ceremony of a new Archbishop of New York. The ceremony at St. Patrick’s Cathedral marked Archbishop Ronald Hicks assuming leadership from Cardinal Timothy Dolan, who reached the mandatory retirement age of 75. Every mayor since Fiorello LaGuardia attended Archbishop Francis Spellman’s installation in 1939 has honored this civic tradition, viewing attendance as a matter of respect for the Archdiocese serving Manhattan, the Bronx, and Staten Island. Mamdani’s decision to break this 87-year streak signals a troubling shift in how progressive leaders view traditional faith communities.

Scheduling Conflicts or Deliberate Disrespect

The timing of Mamdani’s absence raises serious questions about his priorities. The mayor hosted an Interfaith Breakfast at the New York Public Library the same morning, where he quoted scripture but conspicuously omitted any mention of Hicks’ installation happening just a short walk away at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Despite receiving an invitation to the historic ceremony, Mamdani attended the prayer breakfast and a weather press conference instead. Later that afternoon, after facing criticism, the mayor posted a congratulatory tweet pledging commitment to human dignity and collaboration. This pattern of avoiding face-to-face engagement while offering hollow social media platitudes is precisely the kind of political calculation that frustrates voters who value genuine respect over performative gestures.

Catholic Community Responds to Another Slight

The Catholic League’s Bill Donohue labeled Mamdani’s absence as the mayor’s third “stiffing” of Catholics, calling the decision “wrong and rude.” Former mayoral aides from previous administrations expressed dismay at the break from tradition. Bill Cunningham, who served under Mayor Bloomberg, called it a “missed opportunity to serve all segments” of the city. Ken Frydman, former spokesman for Mayor Giuliani, accused Mamdani of showing disdain for the Catholic community. The Daily News editorial board echoed these criticisms, emphasizing the rudeness of skipping an event honoring a faith community representing 2.5 million New Yorkers. This represents exactly the kind of selective inclusivity that undermines traditional American values while prioritizing progressive political agendas.

Archbishop Hicks Extends Olive Branch Despite Snub

Archbishop Hicks demonstrated the grace and leadership expected from faith leaders by maintaining an optimistic tone despite the mayor’s absence. On February 5, before the installation, Hicks expressed hope about meeting Mamdani soon and emphasized collaboration “for the common good” even amid potential disagreements. In his installation homily, the 58-year-old Chicago native reiterated his focus on building a missionary church and developing partnerships with government entities. The Archdiocese spokesperson confirmed that no prior contact had occurred between the mayor and the new archbishop but anticipated a meeting “very soon.” This stands in stark contrast to Mamdani’s approach, highlighting how traditional religious leaders prioritize community building over political posturing, even when facing disrespect from elected officials.

Political Ramifications for Progressive Leadership

Mamdani’s decision carries significant political consequences that extend beyond this single incident. The mayor, who assumed office just over a month before the ceremony, has already eroded goodwill during what should be his honeymoon period. The controversy could strain vital Church-city relationships on critical issues including housing, education, and social services where the Archdiocese plays a major role. Catholic neighborhoods throughout New York’s Italian and Irish communities are watching closely, and this perceived exclusion may trigger voter backlash in future elections. When Mayor Mamdani dismissed the criticism on February 10, stating he values faith leaders and looks forward to meeting Hicks, his words rang hollow after already missing the most appropriate moment for such an introduction. This episode demonstrates how progressive politicians often pay lip service to religious freedom while their actions reveal contempt for traditional faith communities that don’t align with their agenda.