Reverend Father James, a Catholic priest, has strongly criticized veteran Nollywood actor Kanayo O. Kanayo over a recent statement he described as “misleading and intellectually dishonest.”
In a post shared on his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Friday, the clergy expressed disappointment at Kanayo’s suggestion that the Catholic Church’s use of black and white smoke during papal conclaves is a racial metaphor mocking Black people.
He clarified that the smoke signals used in the Vatican aresymbols of communication, not racial references.
Reverend Father James wrote, “It is deeply disappointing to hear a respected Nollywood figure and staunch Catholic actor publicly suggest that the Catholic Church’s use of black and white smoke during a papal conclave is a mockery of Black people. I see this claim as not only intellectually dishonest and absurd, but dangerously misleading.
“Let’s be clear: the smoke signals used by the Vatican are not about race, they’re about clarity. Black smoke means “no decision yet,” while white smoke means “a pope has been elected.” It’s a centuries-old system of communication, not a racial statement.
To illustrate: in aviation, a “black box” is a critical flight recorder, not a negative symbol. In theater, a “blackout” signals a pause before the spotlight returns. In literature, white is not always good, and black is not always evil. Furthermore, in traffic lights, red means stop, green means go. That doesn’t mean “red” is bad, it simply communicates status. In printing, a “black and white” copy isn’t inferior, it’s clear, direct and often preferred for official documents.
“A blackboard is used for learning, not for labeling. In technology, a “black screen” on a phone simply means it’s off, not that it has failed. Symbols are about function, not race. We see the same principle in countless areas of life: In writing, a “black ink” document is formal and authoritative.
“In weather, “black clouds” mean rain is coming, it’s not evil, just a sign of change. In fashion, black is elegant and formal. In art, it adds depth. White flags in war signal surrender or peace, not superiority. Black belts in martial arts are marks of high skill, not failure.
“Symbols carry different meanings depending on context. Reducing sacred, liturgical symbols to racial overtones without understanding their history feeds division, not dialogue. As public figures, we have a duty to speak responsibly and with intellectual integrity. Let’s build bridges of understanding, not walls of confusion. I hope the person gets to correct his statement.”