VATICAN CITY.- Prior to the official inauguration of the Jubilee 2025 introduced himself to “Luce”, the Anime style Vatican mascot for the holy year.
During the presentation of the cultural events for the Jubilee and the Pavilion of the Holy See at Expo Osaka 2025, the Vatican Press Office unveiled the mascot, whose design was chosen to attract younger people.
She is “Luce”, the anime-style mascot of the Vatican.
Designed by Simone Legnoco-founder of pop culture brand tokidoki“Luce” is a pilgrim who symbolizes hope and fraternity, the Vatican announced.
Created in an anime style to attract youth and awaken their interest in religion, it will be one of the official images of the Jubilee 2025.
Its name means “light” in Italian.
Luce & Friends
The ANGEL represents the union between earthly experience and the presence of God in life, offering courage in moments of lonely suffering.
It symbolizes the presence of God, accompanying the path of each person. A guardian angel as a companion throughout… pic.twitter.com/MB1L32CIyW
— HistoCatolico (@HistoCatolico) October 28, 2024
The pilgrim wears a yellow raincoat, mud-stained boots and carries a pilgrim cross, symbolizing the spiritual journey.
Shells appear in his eyes to reflect the scallop of the Camino de Santiagoone of the most popular pilgrimage routes.
The archbishop Rino Fisichellamain organizer of the jubilee, explained that “Luce” is part of the efforts of the Vatican for connecting with pop culture and “conveying the message of hope to younger generations.”
The new Vatican mascot will officially debut at the Lucca Comics and Games convention and will be the image of the Vatican pavilion. Holy See in the Expo 2025 of Osaka, Japanunder the motto “Beauty brings hope.”
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“Luce” causes a sensation on social networks
After its presentation yesterday, the new Vatican mascot went viral on social networks for its manga/anime style and its similarity to other pop culture characters such as Coraline.
— The Condor (@CondorPana) October 29, 2024
Users created “fan art” (drawings made by fans) of “Luce” as well as memes for the church’s strategy to attract a younger audience.
24 hours after Luce, the character made by the Vatican to connect with young people, was announced…
This one went viral.
So, mission accomplished. pic.twitter.com/8gnj9c7udg
— Cartoons On The Moon (@CartoonsOTMoon) October 29, 2024
Enjoy the Meme of Luce! pic.twitter.com/yJcAWAPBmH
— Philosophy101 (@ToaPhilo) October 29, 2024
Luce soldier of God pic.twitter.com/NBIBgd73Ij
— tuna_fan68 (@miltaire94) October 29, 2024
I’m not even Catholic but I love Luce 🫶 pic.twitter.com/YeKoBrzkse
— Kangmin Lee | 이강민 (@kangminjlee) October 29, 2024
Don’t mess with Luce pic.twitter.com/wqkCDsoemW
— Binsu (@heybinsu) October 29, 2024
If you don’t like Luce you are my enemy pic.twitter.com/2ArVNvkKPr
— Anchovy Enthusiast (@anchover_) October 29, 2024
— 🌸 Princess Hinghoi Lite 🌸 (@HimeHinghoi) October 29, 2024
#Luce and Blessed Mother Mary pic.twitter.com/dnUL5SazrN
— No Dice (@Yes_Dice) October 28, 2024
The real question about #Luce is how she power scales against Goku. pic.twitter.com/MgTi2EYdZx
— The Lone Opossum (@BR_Opossum) October 29, 2024
#Luce leaving Rome… pic.twitter.com/FvFKkVzwAg
— Mantle Hood (@mantlehood) October 30, 2024
imagine hating luce and this is literally her pic.twitter.com/oT8psejzYJ
— tulip ˚ʚ♡ɞ˚ (@magpoenitens) October 29, 2024
The Vatican warning #Luce broke more than gear5
*Proceeds to laugh like Looney Tune* xd pic.twitter.com/GjCV3vL5mL
— ANAKIN (@manoRobotica) October 30, 2024
Now they can no longer say that Chinese monkeys are from the devil! 🔥
The Vatican presents its official mascot: Luce. With which they seek to get closer to youth. pic.twitter.com/KZ20OGRGx7
— Tadaima (@TadaimaMx) October 29, 2024
It’s over for Miku, guys. Now it’s Luce’s turn pic.twitter.com/g9E2l9WxMD
— Denyzz (@DENYZZ20) October 29, 2024
#Luce #bing #IA #40K pic.twitter.com/g5jpZETIl0
— Coextile (@Coextile) October 29, 2024
In Mexico and other countries of Latin America The Vatican’s new anime-style mascot also caused a sensation.
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Related
#Luce #animestyle #Vatican #mascot
Archs are the only ones who can brand characters. Luce is here to take over! pic.twitter.com/M56Lj4dQlm
— Juanito Cartoons (@juanitocartoon) October 30, 2024
The debut of Luce, the Vatican’s new mascot, has sparked a creative explosion across social media platforms as fans embrace the character’s design and concept. The Vatican aims to connect with younger audiences, and by leveraging contemporary trends in animation and fan art, they have successfully captured attention beyond traditional boundaries. The backlash against this initiative seems minimal, as users express delight in the playful interpretation of Luce in various meme formats, showcasing the versatility and charm of the character.
Luce not only serves as a mascot for the Vatican but has also stirred conversations around representation of faith through popular culture. By tapping into the manga and anime aesthetics, Luce presents an approach that resonates with many, allowing a bridge between distinct cultural expressions and religious themes. It will be intriguing to see how this initiative evolves and whether it will have a lasting impact on the Vatican’s engagement with modern audiences.
