New Mural at St. Patrick’s Cathedral Celebrates Immigrants, But Cardinal Dolan‘s Praise of Conservative Activist Sparks Internal Church Conflict
NEW YORK – A newly unveiled mural at St. Patrick’s cathedral in New York City, intended to celebrate the city’s immigrant history, has become the center of controversy following remarks by Cardinal Timothy Dolan praising conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The mural, titled ”What’s So Funny About peace, Love and understanding,” was unveiled recently and is the largest permanent artwork commissioned in the cathedral’s 146-year history.
the artwork depicts both 19th-century Irish immigrants arriving in New York Harbor and a contemporary crowd of immigrants from around the world. Key figures featured include St. Francis Xavier Cabrini, Pierre toussaint, and former New York Governor Al Smith - all individuals wiht strong ties to immigrant communities and service. Artist Ilja Cvijanovic stated his aim was “to make a portrait of New York,” emphasizing that “New York is a city of immigrants. It’s part of the DNA of this place.”
Cardinal Dolan,speaking at the unveiling,affirmed the mural’s message,stating,”Namely,that immigrants are children of God.” However, Dolan’s recent praise of Kirk - whom he called “a modern-day St.Paul” in a Fox and Friends interview – has drawn a sharp rebuke from within the Catholic community.
The Sisters of Charity of New York, a Catholic religious charity group comprising over 170 members and 130 associates, issued a public statement criticizing Dolan’s comments. The Sisters’ leadership team asserted that Kirk’s rhetoric has been “marked by racist,homophobic,transphobic and anti-immigrant rhetoric,by violent pro-gun advocacy,and by the promotion of Christian nationalism.”
The controversy arrives as the Trump administration pursues what it calls the largest mass deportation effort in U.S. history. While Cardinal Dolan acknowledged the current political climate added to the mural’s relevance, he stated the idea for the artwork, two years in the making, predated the recent debates over immigration policy.
A spokesperson for the Archdiocese of new York, wich serves 2.5 million Catholics across nearly 300 parishes, declined to comment on the ongoing dispute. The mural stands as a visual testament to New York’s history as a haven for immigrants,even as internal disagreements surface regarding the church’s public voice on related issues.
