Story perspectives

Mayor Mamdani Skips Historic Catholic Ceremony, Sparks Controversy

2/14/2026

Summary

Story summary

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani skipped Archbishop Roland Hicks' installation, the first mayoral absence at such an event in nearly a century.
Critics, including Catholic League President Bill Donahue, accused Mamdani of disrespecting Catholics and cited his appointment of activist Ceyenne Doroshow to the inaugural committee.
Doroshow's funeral for Cecilia Gentili further fueled tensions.
Despite the backlash, Mamdani later met Hicks to discuss shared values and pizza.

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Story summary

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani skipped Archbishop Roland Hicks' installation, the first mayoral absence at such an event in nearly a century.
Critics, including Catholic League President Bill Donahue, accused Mamdani of disrespecting Catholics and cited his appointment of activist Ceyenne Doroshow to the inaugural committee.
Doroshow's funeral for Cecilia Gentili further fueled tensions.
Despite the backlash, Mamdani later met Hicks to discuss shared values and pizza.