As the Catholic Church convened to elect a new pope, an unexpected sight caught the attention of onlookers near the Vatican: pink smoke billowing into the sky. On May 7, 2025, members of the Women’s Ordination Conference released the colored smoke from a nearby hill as a symbolic act, advocating for the inclusion of women in ordained ministry.
The demonstration coincided with the start of the papal conclave, where cardinals gathered in the Sistine Chapel to choose a successor to Pope Francis. Traditionally, white smoke signals the successful election of a new pope, while black smoke indicates an inconclusive vote. The pink smoke, however, was a striking and intentional deviation meant to highlight the ongoing exclusion of women from Church leadership.
Organizers of the protest said the absence of women in the conclave and priesthood reflects systemic inequality within the Church. They argued that the all-male decision-making process perpetuates a culture of exclusion and called for reforms that would allow women to fully participate in the Church’s governance and spiritual leadership.
The pink smoke demonstration is part of a growing movement within the global Catholic community seeking change. While the cardinals deliberate behind closed doors, the colorful protest served as a visual reminder that many faithful are calling for a Church that better reflects the diversity of its members and embraces gender equality.
