New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani praised the Catholic community during a 9/11 memorial Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. He thanked Catholics for helping build the city and supporting New Yorkers after the attacks. The exchange later turned to Pope Leo XIV, with Mamdani saying New York would welcome him.
A journalist from Letters from Leo noted that nine out of ten first responders who died on 9/11 were Catholic. He then asked Mamdani what message he had for New York’s Catholic community. “We can never say thank you enough to the Catholic community,” Mamdani responded.
He credited Catholics who “helped to build this city” and supported New Yorkers during its darkest period. Mamdani also recalled attending memorials for first responders “who gave everything they had, including their lives.” He said their heroism still inspires New York to live up to “Never Forget.”
The journalist then asked whether Pope Leo XIV would be welcome during a possible U.S. visit. “Not only is he welcome, but we would love to have him here in New York City,” Mamdani replied.
Zohran Mamdani’s 9/11 Memorial Remarks Draw Mixed Reactions
The exchange opened several lines of debate, from Mamdani’s delivery to the role of religion in the questions.
“I love how he never falls for their bait. Always answers questions with grace and eloquence,” one user wrote. A Catholic respondent offered a different perspective, writing, “As a fellow Catholic, thank you and God bless you @NYCMayor.”
Others focused less on Mamdani and more on how the questions were framed. “What kind of question is ‘Is the Pope welcome in New York City?’” one user asked. “What in the leading for clicks and drama question is that?” Another questioned the broader emphasis on faith: “Why is religion brought up so much in politics now?”
Skeptical responses moved in another direction and challenged the meaning of Mamdani’s words. “Great words, it’s sad he doesn’t mean a single one of them,” one user stated. Another questioned what the exchange could realistically reveal: “What was he going to say? No, the pope isn’t welcome? No, I don’t support Catholics?”
No date for a possible papal visit was given, although Mamdani made it clear that New York would welcome Pope Leo XIV if he decides to come. For now, however, the brief exchange has generated considerably more discussion about Mamdani’s handling of the questions than about whether a papal visit will actually happen.
