Vatican unveils ‘Luce,’ anime-inspired mascot for Holy Year 2025

The Vatican has introduced an anime-style mascot named “Luce” to represent the Holy Year 2025, a Jubilee year marked by forgiveness and reconciliation. Announced by Archbishop Rino Fisichella, the chief organizer for the Holy Year, Luce is part of a strategy to connect with younger generations through pop culture. “This mascot embodies the Church's desire to live within the pop culture so beloved by our youth,” Fisichella stated, according to the Catholic News Agency.

Designed by Simone Legno, co-founder of the pop culture brand tokidoki, Luce is depicted as a pilgrim in a yellow raincoat, mud-stained boots, and a missionary cross, carrying a pilgrim’s staff. Her eyes are scallop-shaped, a symbol of pilgrimage, while her clothing reflects the colors of the Vatican flag. Luce’s attire and accessories, Legno shared, were intended to resonate with “sentiments that resonate in the hearts of the younger generations.”

Luce’s name, meaning “light” in Italian, aligns with the theme of the upcoming Jubilee, “Pilgrims of Hope.” The Jubilee, which the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development (CAFOD) explains as a time for spiritual renewal and a call to "restore access to the fruits of the earth to everyone,” will begin on Christmas Eve 2024 and end on January 6, 2026. Luce will also represent the Holy See at Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan, from April to October, promoting the Vatican’s message of unity and faith.

In addition to her solo appearances, Luce will be joined by characters Fe, Xin, and Sky, as part of the Vatican’s presence at various international events. The mascot’s debut is set to occur at the Lucca Comics and Games convention in Italy, one of the country’s most popular pop culture gatherings, underscoring the Church’s initiative to blend tradition with modern cultural expressions to engage global audiences.