NY Archdiocese Condemns Funeral for Transgender Activist, Claims Church Was Deceived

A funeral for a transgender activist held at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral in New York garnered backlash and a denunciation from the New York Archdiocese.

Details: Following the funeral for transgender activist Cecilia Gentili, the New York Archdiocese condemned the “scandalous behavior” during the service, with a spokesperson for the Archdiocese citing one attendee reportedly calling Gentili the “the mother of all whores” during the service. Rev. Enrique Salvo told reporters that the Cathedral was unfamiliar with Gentili’s work and did not know she was an atheist.

Key Quotes: Following the service, Saint Patrick’s Cathedral released a statement reading, “The Cathedral only knew that family and friends were requesting a funeral Mass for a Catholic, and had no idea our welcome and prayer would be degraded in such a sacrilegious and deceptive way.” In response, the family of Gentili released a statement reading, “We brought precious life and radical joy to the Cathedral in historic defiance of the Church’s hypocrisy and anti-trans hatred. Cecilia Gentili’s funeral service, which filled the pews in ways the Cathedral only can during Easter service and NYPD funerals, was a reflection of the love she had for her community and a testament to the impact of her tireless advocacy.”

How the Media Covered It: The Associated Press (Lean Left bias) labeled Gentili a “renowned transgender activist” and extensively detailed her advocacy work. The Daily Caller (Right bias) reported that the funeral organizers “deceived” the Cathedral and described Gentili as a “man identifying as a woman.”