Mayor Mamdani Promises Partnership with New Archbishop Hicks Despite Missing Installation

Mamdani cites scheduling conflict but looks forward to working with the new leader of the Catholic Archdiocese of New York.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Mayor Zohran Mamdani tried to dismiss criticism about his absence from the installation ceremony for new Archbishop Ronald Hicks at St. Patrick's Cathedral, saying he looks forward to meeting and collaborating with the new head of the Catholic Archdiocese of New York. Mamdani cited a scheduling conflict with his own Interfaith Breakfast event earlier that day, but Catholic leaders and critics saw his absence as a break from tradition.

Why it matters

The relationship between the mayor and the Catholic archbishop is an important one, as the church is a major institution in New York City with significant influence. Mamdani's no-show at the installation ceremony raised questions about his commitment to engaging with the Catholic community, though he has expressed a desire to work closely with faith leaders across the city.

The details

Archbishop Ronald Hicks officially assumed leadership from Cardinal Timothy Dolan, whose resignation was accepted last year, in a ceremony attended by hundreds of Catholic faithful, clergy, and civic leaders. Mamdani said he was unable to attend the installation but looks forward to meeting with Hicks soon. A spokesperson for the Archdiocese confirmed the two have not yet spoken but hope to do so 'very soon'. Hicks had expressed optimism about future collaboration with the new mayor.

  • Archbishop Ronald Hicks was installed on Friday, February 7, 2026.
  • Mamdani hosted his first Interfaith Breakfast on the morning of Hicks' installation.

The players

Mayor Zohran Mamdani

The current mayor of New York City who was criticized for missing the installation ceremony for the new Catholic archbishop.

Archbishop Ronald Hicks

The new leader of the Catholic Archdiocese of New York, who officially assumed leadership from Cardinal Timothy Dolan.

Cardinal Timothy Dolan

The previous leader of the Catholic Archdiocese of New York, whose resignation was accepted last year upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 75.

William Donohue

The president of the Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights and a longtime critic of Mayor Mamdani.

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What they’re saying

“I wasn't able to make that event, but I do look forward to sitting down with the cardinal, and I'm so excited, frankly, at his leadership in this city.”

— Mayor Zohran Mamdani (amny.com)

“The new mayor and I have not had the opportunity to speak yet, and I'm sure that I will soon have that opportunity. I look forward to meeting him and getting to know him. What I'd like to do as the Archbishop here is understand that in politics, in government, there are going to be things that we disagree on. There are, but I'd also like to make sure we pay attention to what those things are that we can work together for the common good.”

— Archbishop Ronald Hicks (amny.com)

“The mayor of New York City traditionally attends the installation of the new archbishop of New York, but Mamdani—who was invited—ghosted the event. The installation began a few hours after the Interfaith Breakfast at the New York Public Library; it is a short walk up Fifth Avenue to St. Patrick's Cathedral. He could easily have been there. Instead, he attended to business as usual.”

— William Donohue, President, Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights (amny.com)

What’s next

Mamdani and Archbishop Hicks are expected to meet 'very soon' to discuss potential areas of collaboration.

The takeaway

While Mamdani's absence from the installation ceremony raised concerns among some Catholic leaders, his stated desire to work closely with the new archbishop suggests he recognizes the importance of maintaining a strong relationship between City Hall and the Catholic Archdiocese of New York.