In a vibrant move to connect with younger generations, the Vatican has introduced its official mascot for the upcoming 2025 Jubilee Year, named “Luce,” which translates to “light” in Italian. This cheerful character aims to serve as a beacon of hope and guidance as the Catholic Church prepares for this significant holy year.
Unveiled on October 28, 2024, Luce is designed to resonate with the youth, embodying the Vatican’s initiative to engage with popular culture that captivates younger audiences. Archbishop Rino Fisichella, who is spearheading the organization of the Jubilee, emphasized the importance of this mascot in reaching out to the younger demographic, stating that it represents a unique opportunity to speak about hope, a theme that is increasingly vital in today’s world.
Luce will make her debut at the prestigious Lucca Comics and Games convention, a renowned event in Italy that celebrates comics, video games, and fantasy culture. This marks a historic moment as it is the first time a Vatican dicastery will participate in such a convention, showcasing Luce and her companions in a dedicated space dubbed “Luce and Friends.” Fisichella expressed optimism that this participation would facilitate meaningful conversations with the youth about the evangelical message of hope.
Dressed in a yellow raincoat, muddy boots, and a pilgrim’s cross, Luce embodies the spirit of adventure and resilience. Accompanying her is her loyal dog, Santino, symbolizing companionship on the journey of faith. The design of Luce also features shells in her eyes, reminiscent of the scallop shell associated with the Camino de Santiago, further emphasizing the pilgrimage theme.
During the press conference, Fisichella highlighted that Luce’s eyes are a representation of the “hope of the heart,” reinforcing the character’s role as a source of inspiration. Beyond her role at the Jubilee, Luce will also be the face of the Holy See’s pavilion at the upcoming Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan. There, she will represent the pavilion’s theme, “Beauty Brings Hope,” alongside a significant artwork, Caravaggio’s “The Entombment of Christ,” which will be temporarily loaned from the Vatican Museums.
The creative mind behind Luce is Simone Legno, co-founder of the popular brand tokidoki. Legno, who has a deep appreciation for Japanese pop culture, designed Luce along with her colorful “pilgrim friends”—Fe, Xin, and Sky—each dressed in bright jackets that reflect a sense of joy and optimism. The yellow raincoat worn by Luce is not only a nod to the Vatican flag but also symbolizes navigating through life’s challenges.
Luce’s muddy boots signify the arduous journey of faith, while her staff represents the pilgrimage toward eternity, embodying the essence of spiritual exploration and resilience. As the Vatican embraces this modern approach to evangelization, Luce stands as a testament to the Church’s commitment to fostering hope and connection in a rapidly changing world.
As the Jubilee Year approaches, Luce is poised to become a beloved figure among young pilgrims, guiding them on their spiritual journeys and encouraging them to embrace the light of faith amidst the complexities of contemporary life. The Vatican’s innovative approach in utilizing a cartoon mascot highlights its dedication to remaining relevant and engaging with the next generation of believers.
Through initiatives like the introduction of Luce, the Vatican aims to bridge the gap between tradition and modernity, ensuring that the message of hope, faith, and love resonates with all, especially the youth. As Luce embarks on her journey, she invites everyone to join her in exploring the beauty of faith and the light it brings into the world.
