The Vatican has announced a new initiative to engage a younger generation of followers in 2025 by introducing the Catholic Church’s mascot, an anime character named Luce.
Enlisting the help of Italian artist Simone Legno, known for his vibrant Tokidoki creations and heavily inspired by Japanese culture, this collaboration is expected to foster meaningful connections and promote shared values.
The new anime, titled “Luce,” which means “light” in Italian, features a cartoon pilgrim. The anime character is dressed in a yellow raincoat, mud-stained boots, and wears a missionary cross. Luce’s glowing eyes are shaped like scallop shells, a traditional symbol of pilgrimage and hope.
Archbishop Salvatore “Rino” Fischiella, who unveiled Luce to the world on October 28th, said Luce was born out of the Church’s wish “to live even within the pop culture so beloved by our youth.”
(Image: CatholicTV)
In addition to serving as the official mascot of the Holy Year 2025, Luce will play a central role in the Holy See’s pavilion at the upcoming Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan. The global gathering of nations aims to address pressing challenges by providing an engaging and immersive experience centered around a universal theme.
Announcing the collaboration on his personal Instagram page, Legno expressed: “It brings me indescribable joy to introduce ‘Luce,’ the very first mascot created for a Jubilee—a special celebration held by the Church at least once every 25 years.”
(Image: CatholicTV)
He added: “This year is focused on pilgrimages and the spiritual life.”
Nonetheless, Luce received a variety of mixed reviews online as users flocked to social media to offer their thoughts.
One person joked, “We literally have the power of God and anime on our side.”
Another poster seemed offended by the mascot’s name, which she felt referenced the devil himself.
“Oh, cool! Your mascot is Lucifer,” she wrote.
Despite online feedback, Legno and the Catholic Church hope that the pilgrim Luce and her traveling friends, can represent the sentiments that resonate in the hearts of the younger generations.
