Fact Check: NYC Mayor Mamdani Did Not Cite “Islamic Beliefs” for Missing Archbishop Installation
Deep Search
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani did not attend the installation ceremony of Archbishop Ronald Hicks on Friday, February 6, but claims that he refused due to “Islamic beliefs” are unfounded. While the Mayor was absent from the Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, there is no record of him or his office stating that his faith prohibited his attendance. The “New York Caliphate” reference in social media posts is a fabrication; Mamdani is the democratically elected mayor of New York City, having assumed office in January 2026.
Objections
The assertion that Mayor Mamdani boycotted the event on religious grounds is contradicted by his schedule earlier that same day. On the morning of the installation, Mamdani hosted an Interfaith Breakfast at the New York Public Library, where he engaged with clergy from various religious traditions.
Regarding his absence from the afternoon installation Mass, the Mayor’s office cited scheduling conflicts, noting that Mamdani was attending meetings with city officials regarding a severe cold weather snap affecting the city. Mayor Mamdani publicly congratulated Archbishop Hicks on X (formerly Twitter) and addressed the controversy in a press statement Monday, saying, “I wasn’t able to make that event, but I do look forward to sitting down with the [Archbishop], and I’m so excited, frankly, at his leadership in this city.” He emphasized his intent to collaborate with the Archdiocese on shared goals for the common good.
Background Info
Zohran Mamdani, a Democratic Socialist and the first Muslim mayor of New York City, has frequently faced attacks regarding his faith and political affiliation since his election in November 2025. Critics often label his progressive platform as “communist” and have circulated conspiracy theories regarding his religious background. Archbishop Ronald Hicks was installed as the 11th Archbishop of New York, succeeding Cardinal Timothy Dolan, who retired earlier this year. While mayors traditionally attend such installations, Mamdani’s absence has drawn criticism from groups like the Catholic League, though his administration maintains it was a logistical decision rather than an ideological snub.
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