Kanayo O. Kanayo criticizes catholic church over symbolic use of black smoke in papal elections
Veteran Nollywood actor Kanayo O. Kanayo has criticized the Catholic Church for what he describes as a racially insensitive tradition involving the use of black smoke during papal elections.
In a video posted to Instagram on May 8, 2025, the actor condemned the centuries-old practice of emitting black smoke from the Sistine Chapel chimney to signify an unsuccessful vote in the conclave to elect a new pope. He voiced concern following the election of Pope Leo after the death of Pope Francis in April 2025.
“Black means failure and I think this is bad,” Kanayo said. “The Catholic Church must rise up to this immediately. We have been vilified enough as black people.”
He argued that the symbolism reinforces negative connotations about blackness, urging the Vatican to adopt new colors—such as blue—to represent inconclusive voting sessions, instead of black.
According to the actor, continuing this tradition sends a damaging message to a global audience, especially to people of African descent. “Are they calling people the black sheep?” he asked rhetorically.
Kanayo’s comments come at a time when global institutions face increasing calls to reevaluate longstanding practices seen as racially insensitive.
The Catholic Church has yet to respond to the actor’s remarks.
