Vatican City has introduced Luce, an anime-inspired mascot set to represent the church's 2025 Jubilee celebrations. This character, designed with elements of Japanese pop culture, marks a fresh direction in the church's approach to reach younger audiences. While Luce has garnered both praise and criticism, her debut signifies a clear attempt by the Vatican to bridge traditional values with contemporary cultural symbols.
Luce's Symbolic Design: Bridging Tradition and Pop Culture
The concept of Luce—whose name derives from the Latin word "Lucerna," meaning "light"—was introduced at a special launch event for the Jubilee led by Archbishop Rino Fisichella, the chief organiser for the Holy See's 2025 celebrations. According to Catholic News Agency, Archbishop Fisichella expressed that Luce was developed to "engage with the pop culture so beloved by our young people."
Luce's design carries profound symbolism: her large eyes hold a light shaped like a scallop shell, a symbol of pilgrimage within Catholicism. Dressed in a bright yellow rain jacket—reminiscent of the Vatican flag's colours—Luce embodies resilience in facing life's storms. Her pilgrim's staff represents the journey of faith, while her mud-stained boots signify the challenges along this path. She also wears a rosary, a symbol of prayer and devotion in Catholic tradition.
The character was designed by Simone Legno, creator of the Japanese-inspired lifestyle brand Tokidoki, known for blending Western and Eastern artistic styles. "I am extremely grateful to the Dicastery for Evangelization for opening its doors to pop culture as well," Legno said, sharing his excitement for Luce's potential to resonate with young audiences worldwide.
Luce's First Appearances and Growing Popularity
Luce is set to make her first major public appearance at Lucca Comics and Games, Italy's largest convention for comics, gaming, and fantasy. There, the Vatican's Dicastery for Evangelization will host a space dedicated to "Luce and Friends." The mascot will be joined by three "Pilgrim Friends"—Fe, Xin, and Sky—who wear similarly colourful jackets and complement Luce's character with unique traits.
Additionally, Luce will serve as the official face of the Holy See's pavilion at Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan. Her role will represent the theme "Beauty Brings Hope" alongside Caravaggio's The Entombment of Christ, which will be temporarily on display from the Vatican Museums. According to Vatican News, this cultural exhibit is designed to engage a global audience through art, hope, and spiritual renewal.
The mascot's public debut has sparked widespread enthusiasm online. Many have praised Luce's design for its simplicity and accessibility, noting how effectively she brings a contemporary feel to the church's message. Others have compared her to similar characters in popular media, including Ai Ohto from Wonder Egg Priority, Six from the game Little Nightmares, and Coraline Jones from the film Coraline.
Mixed Reactions Among Faithful and Traditionalists
While Luce has received positive feedback from younger audiences and pop culture enthusiasts, she has also faced scepticism from more traditional Catholics. Some critics have raised concerns about Tokidoki's previous work, as the brand has created collections celebrating Pride Month—a topic still controversial within the Catholic Church. For those holding conservative views, Luce's association with Tokidoki symbolises a cultural shift that they fear moves away from traditional church values.
Others have expressed concerns about the Vatican's priorities, suggesting that church resources should focus on addressing long-standing issues, such as sexual misconduct allegations involving clergy. Pope Francis has apologised on behalf of the church for such misconduct in recent years, most notably in 2018 and again in 2022. These critics question whether introducing a mascot like Luce distracts from more urgent matters facing the church today.
A Mascot for Unity and Renewal
As the 2025 Jubilee celebrations draw closer, Luce has quickly become a symbol of hope and connection, resonating with people worldwide. Her cheerful design and universal themes of light, journey, and renewal make her relatable across cultural and generational lines. Since her unveiling, social media platforms have seen a rise in Luce-themed artwork, merchandise, and fan-generated content, reflecting her impact on young Catholics and anime fans alike.
