Vatican's Anime Mascot 'Luce' Sparks Viral Buzz and Controversy
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Arlington Catholic Herald
The Vatican's new anime-style mascot, Luce, introduced for the 2025 Jubilee year, has quickly become a viral sensation, inspiring memes, fan art, and even a cryptocurrency. Designed by Simone Legno, Luce symbolizes a spiritual journey and has been embraced by various Christian denominations and secular communities. While some Catholics appreciate the modern cultural adaptation, others criticize it as trivializing the faith. Despite mixed reactions, Luce continues to gain popularity, appearing at events like the Lucca Comics and Games convention.