Vatican introduces anime mascot Luce to connect with younger audiences

The Vatican has introduced Luce, an anime girl mascot for the 2025 Jubilee year, aiming to connect with the anime community. Created by Simone Legno, Luce symbolizes light and carries Christian themes, featuring a blue-haired design and a Jesus necklace. Since her debut, Luce has gained popularity among anime fans, inspiring memes and fan art that depict her as a powerful character. Online, she is portrayed as a holy warrior, quickly rising in the ranks of beloved anime figures. The Vatican hopes Luce will attract younger audiences to the church, similar to how iconic characters like Goku have influenced fans. However, it remains uncertain if she will effectively engage a new generation of believers.