posted 10th May 2025
The Symbolism of Smoke in Papal Conclaves: A Call for Re-examination
The election of a new pope is one of the most significant events in the Catholic Church, steeped in centuries-old traditions. Among these is the use of smoke signals to communicate the outcome of the conclave: white smoke to signify the successful election of a pope and black smoke to indicate that no decision has been reached. While this practice is rooted in historical and practical origins, its symbolism—white for positive, black for negative—raises concerns about perpetuating outdated racial associations. In an era increasingly attuned to issues of racial justice, it is worth examining whether this tradition inadvertently reinforces harmful stereotypes and whether the Church should reconsider its use.
The tradition of using smoke during papal conclaves dates back to the 19th century, when ballots were burned to prevent the reuse of votes and to signal the progress of the election to the public. The addition of chemicals to produce distinct colours—black for an inconclusive vote and white for a successful election—emerged as a practical way to communicate with the faithful gathered outside the Sistine Chapel. The choice of colours was likely influenced by their visual clarity and the materials available at the time, rather than any explicit racial intent.
However, the symbolic meanings attached to black and white have deep cultural roots that extend beyond the conclave. In many Western traditions, white is associated with purity, goodness, and success, while black is linked to negativity, failure, or mourning. These associations, while not inherently racial, have historically been co-opted into racialized narratives that equate whiteness with superiority and blackness with inferiority. The question arises: does the continued use of these colours in such a high-profile ritual subtly reinforce these problematic associations?
The concern that the conclave’s smoke signals may reflect “old racism” stems from the broader historical context of colour symbolism. For centuries, colonial and imperialist ideologies weaponized colour associations to dehumanize Black people and elevate whiteness as a standard of virtue. While the Catholic Church’s use of black and white smoke predates modern racial categories, the global visibility of the conclave in today’s media-saturated world amplifies its symbolic impact. To many, the image of black smoke signalling “failure” and white smoke heralding “success” can feel like an unconscious echo of these harmful narratives.
This interpretation is not a stretch in a world where racial sensitivity is increasingly scrutinized. Symbols matter, and the Church, as a global institution with millions of diverse followers, has a responsibility to ensure its practices do not inadvertently alienate or marginalize. The use of black smoke to denote a negative outcome risks being perceived as dehumanizing blackness, while white smoke’s positive connotation may be seen as elevating whiteness. Even if unintentional, the persistence of this tradition in its current form can be viewed as a failure to engage with the evolving sensitivities of a global faithful.
The Catholic Church has shown a willingness to adapt its practices in response to modern challenges. From liturgical reforms to efforts toward inclusivity, the Church has demonstrated that tradition is not immutable when it risks undermining its mission. Re-examining the use of black and white smoke in the conclave could be a meaningful step toward aligning the Church’s rituals with its teachings on the equal dignity of all people.
One option is to replace the current colour scheme with neutral or alternative colours that carry no racial baggage. For example, green smoke could signify a successful election, while red could indicate an ongoing conclave. These colours are visually distinct and carry no strong positive or negative connotations in most cultural contexts. Alternatively, the Church could explore non-colour-based signals, such as bells or digital announcements, to communicate the conclave’s outcome in a way that avoids symbolic misinterpretation.
Critics might argue that changing the smoke signals risks diluting a cherished tradition for the sake of political correctness. However, tradition must be weighed against the potential harm of perpetuating symbols that can be misread in a racially charged world. The Church’s mission is to unite, not divide, and a small adjustment to this practice could demonstrate its commitment to racial justice without undermining the conclave’s solemnity.
The use of black and white smoke in papal conclaves is a tradition rooted in practicality, but its symbolic implications cannot be ignored in today’s world. While the Church likely did not intend to evoke racial connotations, the association of black with failure and white with success risks reinforcing outdated and harmful stereotypes. As an institution that claims to champion the dignity of all, the Catholic Church has an opportunity to lead by example. By rethinking this practice—whether through new colours or alternative signals—the Church can affirm its commitment to inclusivity and ensure that its rituals reflect the universal values it seeks to uphold.
