The Vatican has announced its new anime-inspired mascot, Luce, for the 2025 Jubilee, revealing a unique encounter between the Catholic Church and Japanese pop culture. Created by Italian designer Simone Legno of the tokidoki brand, Luce represents the Church's attempt to connect with youth through an aesthetic inspired by anime and video games.
- UN criticizes stereotypes in anime and manga
- Japanese police arrest three people for Overlord spoilers
The character will make her debut at the Lucca Comics and Games convention in Italy, marking the Vatican's first participation in a pop culture event. Luce, dressed in a yellow coat, muddy boots, and carrying a pilgrim's cross, symbolizes the spiritual journey and hope, according to the Vatican.
With glowing eyes reminiscent of the traditional glow of anime characters, the mascot was described by Fisichella, pro-prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, as a visual metaphor for the Church's message of hope and faith. Furthermore, the mascot will also be a highlight of the Holy See pavilion at Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan.
The influence of anime culture on the Vatican's new mascot
Luce's creation reflects a strategic move by the Vatican to engage with new cultural languages. This initiative aims to bring the Church closer to younger generations. This character and his "pilgrim friends"—Fe, Xin, and Sky—have adventurous traits influenced by role-playing games and Japanese aesthetics. This provides a unique approach to conveying religious values.
Luce's launch at a comics and gaming convention reinforces the Vatican's commitment to exploring pop culture, thus establishing a connection with young people who identify with these worlds. Simone Legno, the mascot's creator, expressed his gratitude to the Vatican for the opportunity to open up space for pop culture. He emphasized his desire for Luce to touch young people's hearts and represent feelings of connection and hope.
Luce and the preparation for the 2025 jubilee
With boots that suggest a challenging journey and a staff that symbolizes the path to eternity, Luce reflects values of faith and determination. Her yellow raincoat, reminiscent of the Vatican flag, represents her commitment to life's storms and her mission to convey hope, thus transcending the physical boundaries of the Church.
The Jubilee is a celebration in the Catholic Church, held every 25 years, that invites believers from around the world to experience a year of grace and pilgrimage. Therefore, Luce's presence at the 2025 celebrations is part of a series of cultural events organized by the Vatican.
With the theme "Beauty Brings Hope," the Vatican pavilion at Expo 2025 will also feature Caravaggio's "The Entombment of Christ," on loan from the Vatican Museums. Luce, with her pilgrim appearance and sparkling eyes, represents the spiritual guide of young people, echoing Pope Francis' message that young people should be "pilgrims" in faith, not "tourists" of their spirituality.
