Who is Luce?
Luce is a new cartoon mascot introduced by the Catholic Church for the 2025 Jubilee Year, symbolizing hope, forgiveness, and holy pilgrimages. Designed by Simone Legno, Luce embodies the concept of "light" in Italian and is tailored to resonate with contemporary youth familiar with anime like One Piece and Demon Slayer. Clad in a raincoat and featuring elements of Catholic iconography, Luce represents a youthful and modern approach by the Church to connect with pop culture. The character's design draws inspiration from the "chibi" art style, characterized by cute, diminutive figures with oversized heads and small bodies. Luce's upcoming debut at the Lucca Comics & Games convention in Italy and her role as the Vatican's mascot at Expo 2025 in Japan highlight the Church's efforts to engage with a broader audience and promote themes of beauty and hope.