Meet Luce: Catholic Jubilee mascot unveiled

The Catholic Church unveiled the mascot on Oct. 28 for its 2025 Jubilee, a celebration and reflection that marks 25 years since the extraordinary jubilee in 2000. 

Luce, a pilgrim dressed like a Japanese manga character, instantly captured the imagination of many, becoming a popular meme and sparking lively discussions within the church.

Created in a captivating collaboration with tokidoki, a Japanese-inspired lifestyle brand known for its “kawaii,” or cute, clothing, Luce was designed to resonate with young people. This unique partnership has brought a fresh perspective to the Catholic Church and sparked a reaction I didn’t anticipate. The overwhelmingly positive impact of Luce’s design on young people has been evident, inspiring incredible fan art from Catholic and secular artists and instilling a sense of hope and optimism for the future of our Church. 

It’s important to note that some people within the church have criticized Luce for ‘appealing too much to young people’ and that ‘The church shouldn't bow to popular art.’ This is a valid perspective, and it’s crucial to consider all viewpoints. However, it’s also important to remember that the church that brought us to the Sistine Chapel is no stranger to artistic controversy. When the Sistine Chapel was built, renaissance art was the popular style at the time, and Luce’s design reflects the art that resonates with today’s youth. Since the Jubilee is starting off in Osaka, Japan, it makes sense that the mascot would reflect that style of drawing. The church’s ability to adapt to the changing times is a testament to its enduring relevance. 

Some have argued that Luce is taking the focus away from Christ and that the mascot should have been a saint or an angel. These concerns are valid, and it’s important to consider the potential impact of Luce’s design on the church’s image. However, I would argue that it would be even more heretical to dress an angel or saint in this cute anime style and sell merchandise featuring them. Luce’s design, while unconventional, is a reflection of the art that resonates with today's youth and can serve as a bridge to engage them in the church’s activities. 

As expected in the digital age, the message about Luce’s role quickly spread across the internet, leading to some misconceptions. What was intended as ‘Luce is the 2025 Jubilee mascot’ was misinterpreted as ‘Luce is the new mascot for the Catholic Church.’ This misunderstanding led to concerns about the church’s direction and the potential replacement of traditional symbols. Let's take a moment to clarify these misconceptions. Luce is not a replacement for any traditional symbols of the church but rather a unique representation of the 2025 Jubilee, designed to resonate with young people and inspire a sense of anticipation and excitement for the upcoming celebration.

Personally, I fell for this gambit hook, line and sinker. Luce is not just adorable; she's captivating. I find her little raincoat and her blue hair endearing, and I'm excited to see how she continues to inspire our church community. I also think it’s fun, and I dare say the church should be able to have more fun. You catch more flies with honey than with vinegar after all, and I hope that Luce will continue to engage and excite our church community and hopefully bring more people to the faith. 

The moment they start selling merchandise of Luce, I will be first in line.