Veteran Nollywood actor Kanayo O. Kanayo has sparked reactions on social media after he expressed concerns over the Catholic Church’s traditional use of black smoke to signify an unsuccessful papal election.
In a video shared on Instagram, Kanayo questioned the symbolism behind the smoke signals used during the papal conclave, where black smoke represents failure to elect a pope, and white smoke signals success.
He argued that consistently associating “black” with failure reinforces subconscious racial bias.
“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 said.
Kanayo suggested that the Church should consider alternative symbolism, proposing, for example, that blue smoke could be used to indicate that no pope has been elected, while white smoke continues to announce success. “Remove the black. It’s not good for us,” he added.
His remarks have sparked wide debate online, with some supporting the call to rethink the use of long-held symbols that could unintentionally perpetuate negative associations with the color black.
Others, however, point to the fact that black is also used within the Church in a different context, notably in clergy regalia, where it symbolizes humility, solemnity, and devotion.
Meanwhile, on May 8, 2025, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected as the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church, taking the name Pope Leo XIV. This historic event marks the first time an American has ascended to the papacy.
Pope Leo XIV was elected after four rounds of voting during the conclave that followed Pope Francis’s death on April 21, 2025. His election is seen as a continuation of Pope Francis’s progressive agenda, emphasizing social justice, immigration reform, and outreach to marginalized communities. In his first mass, he warned against prioritizing technology, wealth, and pleasure over faith.
Pope Leo XIV’s election breaks a longstanding tradition, as the Vatican had previously avoided appointing American popes due to geopolitical concerns.
His dual citizenship and extensive work in Latin America helped bridge this gap. He is the first pope from the Augustinian Order and the first from an English-speaking country since the 12th century.
His papal name honors Pope Leo XIII, known for advocating workers’ rights and social justice, signaling a commitment to similar values.
Pope Leo XIV’s inauguration mass is scheduled for May 18, 2025. His leadership is anticipated to focus on unity within the Church and addressing global challenges with compassion and humility.
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