An unholy row has broken out after one of the world’s most famous buildings refused to pay tribute to Mother Theresa.The Empire State Building in New York has rejected requests to honour what would have been the late nun’s 100th birthday in August.
The tower regularly changes the colour of its lights to mark special events – they go green for St Patrick’s Day.
The US Catholic League first asked in February that the city’s tallest skyscraper cover itself in blue and white lights for Mother Theresa’s birthday.
But the building’s owners say they don’t take requests from religious organisations.
“As a privately owned building, the Empire State has a specific policy against any other lighting for religious figures or requests by religions and religious organisations,” said Anthony Malkin, head of the family firm that owns the building.
The New York City Council has passed a resolution calling on Malkin to change his mind - but he is not for budging.
Speaker Christine Quinn (Dem) described the decision as “wrongheaded”.
Speaking at the New York New Belfast Conference, organised by the Irish Echo newspaper, she said she was in favour of having the building lit in tribute to the Nobel Prize winner.
“Unfortunately, the building owner has refused to honour this great woman,” she said, “As you can see, New Yorkers, just like the Irish, know a thing or two about stubbornness and digging their heels in.”
Catholics are furious and are threatening to hold a huge demonstration at the building on the night instead.
“If he has a problem with the Catholic Church, fine, but he shouldn’t take it out on Mother Theresa,” said Bill Donoghue, head of the US Catholic League.
The building has been lit to honour Pope John Paul II in the past. It has also honoured “The Simpsons” and “Barnum and Bailey Circus”, among others.
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