Renowned Nollywood actor Kanayo O. Kanayo has ignited a global discussion by openly questioning the Catholic Church’s long-standing practice of using black smoke to indicate an unsuccessful papal election.
In a video posted on social media, he challenged the meaning behind the smoke signals employed during the papal conclave, where black smoke signifies the failure to elect a pope, while white smoke denotes success.
Kanayo highlighted the wider cultural ramifications, asserting that the persistent association of ‘black’ with failure perpetuates subconscious racial biases. ‘When they fail, it’s black smoke.
When they succeed, it’s white smoke… This has been ingrained in the minds of the world that black is failure,’ he stated.
He proposed that the Church explore alternative symbols, suggesting that blue smoke could represent the absence of a pope, while white smoke would continue to signify success.
‘Eliminate the black. It’s detrimental to us,’ he emphasized. He underscored the importance of symbolism, particularly within a global institution like the Catholic Church, whose traditions impact billions.
His statements have emerged during a period when discussions regarding race, representation, and cultural sensitivity are increasingly relevant in religious and historical institutions worldwide.
His comments have generated significant debate online, with some advocating for a reevaluation of traditional symbols that may inadvertently reinforce negative connotations associated with the color black.
Conversely, others note that black is also utilized within the Church in a different context, particularly in clergy attire, where it represents humility, solemnity, and devotion.
