Veteran Nollywood actor Kanayo O. Kanayo has stirred global discussion after questioning the Catholic Church’s longstanding use of black smoke to signify an unsuccessful papal election.

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In a video shared on social media, Kanayo challenged the symbolism behind the smoke signals used during the papal conclave—black smoke to indicate no pope has been chosen and white smoke to confirm the election of a new pope.

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He argued that linking the color black with failure contributes to a deep-rooted racial bias in global consciousness.

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“When no pope is elected, it’s black smoke. When one is elected, it’s white smoke. This tradition has reinforced the idea that black symbolizes failure. Catholic community, this is blue,” he said, sitting in a blue sofa. “Let blue smoke mean that a new pope has not been elected, and let white smoke mean he has. Remove the black. It is not good for us.”

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Kanayo stressed that symbolism matters, particularly in influential institutions like the Catholic Church whose traditions shape perspectives around the world.

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His comments come amid growing global conversations about race, representation, and the need to reexamine long-held traditions that may carry unintended meanings.

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While many have supported Kanayo’s call for change, others have pointed out that black also holds positive meanings within the Church, such as in clergy robes, where it represents humility and devotion.

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The debate continues to gain momentum online, highlighting how even the most entrenched traditions can come under fresh scrutiny in today’s evolving cultural landscape.

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Watch video below:

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View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kanayo O Kanayo (@kanayo.o.kanayo)

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