NYC Mayor Mamdani Faces Backlash from Catholic Community

Mayor skips archbishop's installation, hires controversial activist for inaugural committee

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has faced growing criticism from the city's Catholic community over a series of perceived snubs and provocations. Mamdani, the city's first Muslim mayor, has been accused of appointing a transgender activist to his inaugural committee who later presided over a controversial funeral at St. Patrick's Cathedral, as well as skipping the installation of the new Archbishop of New York, a rare move for a sitting mayor.

Why it matters

The tensions between Mayor Mamdani and the Catholic community highlight the challenges of governing a diverse city with competing religious and cultural interests. As the leader of the nation's largest city, Mamdani's actions are being closely watched, and his perceived disrespect for the Catholic faith has angered many in the community.

The details

Mayor Mamdani's first jab at the Catholic Church came when he appointed transgender activist Ceyenne Doroshow to his inaugural committee. Doroshow later presided over a 'sacrilegious' funeral at St. Patrick's Cathedral for transgender activist Cecilia Gentili, which the church said it had not been properly informed about. Mamdani also faced criticism for not having any Catholic priests speak at his inauguration or interfaith breakfast. Most notably, Mamdani skipped the installation of the new Archbishop of New York, Roland Hicks, the first time a NYC mayor has missed such an event in nearly 100 years.

  • In February 2024, Ceyenne Doroshow presided over a controversial funeral at St. Patrick's Cathedral.
  • On February 6, 2026, Mayor Mamdani skipped the installation of Archbishop Roland Hicks.

The players

Zohran Mamdani

The current mayor of New York City, who is the city's first Muslim mayor.

Ceyenne Doroshow

A transgender activist who was appointed to Mayor Mamdani's inaugural committee.

Archbishop Roland Hicks

The new Archbishop of New York, who took over from Cardinal Timothy Dolan.

Bill Donahue

The president of the Catholic League, a Catholic civil rights organization.

Joann Ariola

A Catholic city councilwoman from Queens.

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What they’re saying

“The Cathedral only knew that family and friends were requesting a funeral Mass for a Catholic, and had no idea our welcome and prayer would be degraded in such a sacrilegious and deceptive way.”

— Rev. Enrique Salvo (New York Post)

“Mamdani 'not only wants nothing to do with Catholics,' he hires 'vile anti-Catholic bigots'.”

— Bill Donahue, President, Catholic League (New York Post)

“I wish I could say I'm surprised, but Communism knows no faith. He's already shown his disdain for our Jewish neighbors, and now he is showing it for Catholics as well. Little by little, the mask is starting to slip, and we are seeing who this mayor really is — and what he really thinks about New York's faithful.”

— Joann Ariola, Catholic City Councilwoman, Queens (New York Post)

“I am grateful for [Mamdani's] candor in making clear to New York's Catholic community that he has no respect for their faith and is no friend of theirs. This way, they know where they stand with him and his administration.”

— Robert George, Princeton Professor and Catholic Intellectual (New York Post)

What’s next

The mayor and the new Archbishop are expected to meet again to discuss ways to improve relations between City Hall and the Catholic community.

The takeaway

Mayor Mamdani's actions have deeply alienated the Catholic community in New York City, raising concerns about his ability to govern effectively and work with diverse religious groups. The tensions highlight the challenges of inclusive leadership in a pluralistic society.