What's happened
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani did not attend the installation of Archbishop Ronald Hicks, the city’s new Catholic leader, instead posting a brief message on X. His absence has sparked criticism from the Catholic community and highlights ongoing tensions between city leadership and the church.
What's behind the headline?
The mayor’s absence at Hicks’ installation underscores a growing rift between New York City’s political leadership and the Catholic Church. Mamdani’s decision to skip the event, despite being invited, contrasts with past mayors like Bloomberg and Koch, who attended similar ceremonies. Critics argue this signals a lack of respect for the church’s role in the city’s social fabric. The mayor’s brief social media post, rather than physical presence, suggests a deliberate distancing that could influence future relations. This move may reflect broader political or ideological disagreements, especially given Mamdani’s recent public statements on social issues. The church’s influence remains significant in NYC, and the mayor’s snub could deepen divisions, impacting community cohesion and interfaith relations. The next steps will likely involve ongoing tensions over the church’s social stance and political engagement, with potential repercussions for city governance and community trust.
What the papers say
The New York Post reports that Mamdani’s absence was seen as a sign of disdain for Catholics, with critics emphasizing the importance of mayoral attendance at such events. Craig McCarthy highlights that Mamdani’s social media post was insufficient to bridge the gap, and that historically, NYC mayors have attended these ceremonies to show support for the Catholic community. The article also notes that Mamdani’s schedule did not include the installation, and his absence was criticized by the Catholic League. Meanwhile, the New York Times and other sources have pointed out that Hicks’ installation was a traditional event, with notable figures like former Mayor Rudy Giuliani attending in the past, emphasizing the significance of the occasion for the city’s social and religious fabric. The tension reflects broader political and cultural divides, with some viewing Mamdani’s actions as a sign of shifting priorities or ideological differences with the church.
How we got here
Ronald Hicks was appointed as the 11th archbishop of New York in December 2025, succeeding Cardinal Timothy Dolan. Hicks, formerly bishop of Joliet, Illinois, was chosen by Pope Leo XIV and is seen as aligned with the pope’s progressive stance. The ceremony marked a significant leadership change for the archdiocese, which serves approximately 2.5 million Catholics across Manhattan, the Bronx, Staten Island, and nearby counties. Historically, NYC mayors have attended such installations, but Mamdani’s absence marks a departure from tradition amid broader tensions with the church.
Go deeper
Common question
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Who Is Bishop Ronald Hicks and What Does His Installation Mean for NYC?
The recent installation of Bishop Ronald Hicks as the new archbishop of New York marks a significant moment for the city's religious community. His leadership comes at a time when the church faces numerous social challenges, including issues around immigration, social justice, and community unity. Many are wondering what his appointment signals for the future of faith and social activism in NYC. Below, we explore key questions about Bishop Hicks, the church's current social issues, and how faith is shaping responses to city crises.
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Who Is Archbishop Ronald Hicks and What Does His Leadership Mean for New York?
Ronald Hicks was recently installed as the new archbishop of New York, succeeding Cardinal Dolan. His background in social justice and international work, along with his focus on community engagement, has many wondering what his leadership will bring to the archdiocese. In this page, we explore who he is, his priorities, and the potential impact on the local community and the wider church. If you're curious about the future of the Catholic Church in New York, keep reading to find out more.
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Why Did Archbishop Ronald Hicks Skip His Installation Ceremony?
The recent installation of Archbishop Ronald Hicks in New York has sparked questions about his absence from the traditional ceremony, especially given the presence of other religious and civic leaders. Many wonder what this means for the relationship between the church and city officials, and what the broader implications might be for church-city relations in New York. Below, we explore the reasons behind Hicks' absence, the reactions from community leaders, and what this could signal for the future.
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What Does the Absence of Key Figures at Major Religious Ceremonies Mean?
When prominent leaders skip important religious events, it often sparks questions about underlying tensions and shifting relationships. Recent events, like the absence of New York's mayor at the installation of the new archbishop, highlight how such actions can signal changes in political and religious dynamics. Curious about what these absences imply for city leadership and community trust? Below, we explore common questions surrounding these impactful moments.
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Why Did NYC Mayor Skip the Archbishop's Installation?
The absence of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani from Archbishop Ronald Hicks' installation has sparked widespread discussion. Many wonder what this means for the relationship between city officials and religious institutions, and whether this signals a shift in political and cultural dynamics. Below, we explore the reasons behind the mayor's absence, its implications for church-state relations, and what recent tensions reveal about the broader landscape of politics and religion in New York.
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Why Are City Leaders Clashing with Religious Figures?
Recent events in major cities highlight growing tensions between political leaders and religious communities. From mayoral absences at religious ceremonies to broader cultural divides, these clashes raise questions about the evolving relationship between politics and faith. Why are these conflicts happening now, and what do they mean for community cohesion? Below, we explore key questions about the tensions between city officials and religious figures, their causes, and their implications.
More on these topics
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New York is a state in the Northeastern United States. New York was one of the original thirteen colonies that formed the United States. With more than 19 million residents in 2019, it is the fourth-most-populous state.
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Zohran Kwame Mamdani is a Ugandan-American politician. He is the assembly member for the 36th district of the New York State Assembly. Mamdani was elected after defeating incumbent Democrat Aravella Simotas in the 2020 primary.