Luce, the Mascot of Jubilee 2025: A Symbol for All Pilgrims

Meet Luce, the mascot of Jubilee 2025, a character inspired by the aesthetics of Japanese manga, representing a new openness of the Church towards pop and youth culture.

In recent months, while browsing newspapers or surfing the web, you may have come across Luce, the official mascot of Jubilee 2025. She is a young Catholic pilgrim, wearing a bright yellow raincoat, with a cheerful smile and the confident gaze of someone ready to embark on a grand adventure. And what could be more thrilling and adventurous for a young pilgrim than the opportunity to experience all the events and emotions of the Holy Year? Luce was introduced on 28 October 2024 at the Holy See Press Office by Monsignor Rino Fisichella, Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelisation, during the press conference presenting the cultural events scheduled in Rome before the official opening of the Jubilee and the Holy See Pavilion at Expo Osaka 2025. This character was created by the Roman illustrator Simone Legno, founder of the Tokidoki brand, and represents a young Catholic pilgrim in a style reminiscent of Japanese manga and anime characters. Luce is characterised by her blue hair, large luminous eyes, and attire symbolising the spiritual journey: she wears a yellow k-way, muddy boots, and carries a pilgrim’s staff and a rosary.

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The Meaning of Luce, the Jubilee Mascot

The yellow raincoat Luce wears recalls the colours of the flag of Vatican City, yellow on the hoist side and white on the fly. This choice is not accidental. Luce’s raincoat, along with her muddy boots, represents the challenges faced along every Christian’s path, their journey through life’s storms. A journey in which Luce is not alone: the missionary cross around her neck and the rosary highlight her Christian identity, instilling courage and enthusiasm in the face of daily challenges. That same enthusiasm shines through her bright eyes, where a stylised scallop shell, a traditional symbol of the Camino de Santiago de Compostela, is depicted. This detail represents the hope that this character is meant to inspire, the desire for spirituality and connection with the divine, in line with the Jubilee’s universal message of peace, under the emblem expressed by its logo: Pilgrims of Hope.

Luce’s design aims to attract young people, blending elements of pop culture with messages of welcome and hope. The mascot not only represents the Jubilee but also becomes a symbol of community and intergenerational dialogue.

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Luce, a Pilgrim in Manga Style

During the press conference for Luce’s official presentation, Monsignor Fisichella emphasised the Church’s intention to engage with pop culture to attract young people, seeking to reach them through symbols and languages familiar to them. Simone Legno, born in Rome in 1977, is the artist behind Luce’s creation. He founded Tokidoki in 2003, a brand inspired by Japanese aesthetics and kawaii culture, which in Japanese means “cute” or “adorable,” a cultural and social phenomenon that has spread globally, representing an aesthetic that emphasises sweetness, innocence, and charm, often associated with visual styles, behaviours, and objects evoking a sense of tenderness and simplicity. Legno stated that his intention was to create a contemporary character capable of expressing the emotions of new generations. The mascot was conceived as a response to the need for a figure representing the Jubilee in an innovative and accessible way.

Luce has sparked mixed reactions online. While many appreciate her fresh and modern design, some critics find her too distant from Catholic tradition. Some users have recognised in Luce the style of anime or manga characters, highlighting her Asian cultural influences. Despite the criticism, Luce represents a significant attempt by the Church to connect with young people through contemporary languages.

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From the Jubilee to Expo Osaka 2025

Luce made her official debut at Lucca Comics & Games 2024, Italy’s most important fair dedicated to comics and illustration. This event marked the first time a Dicastery of the Holy See participated in this exhibition, offering visitors the opportunity to meet Luce and learn about the Jubilee’s activities. The Jubilee Pavilion was set up at the Archdiocese of Lucca, in Piazzale Mons. Giulio Arrigoni, 2.

Luce will also represent the Holy See at Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan, from 13 April to 13 October 2025. Here, the mascot will be the symbol of the Holy See Pavilion, representing the Catholic Church and the message of hope and welcome that the Jubilee aims to convey. The theme of the Vatican Pavilion will be “Beauty Brings Hope,” and alongside Luce, the famous painting The Deposition of Christ by Caravaggio will be exhibited, temporarily on loan from the Vatican Museums.

“Beauty is a transformative force, capable of touching people’s hearts, awakening the desire for a better world,” explained Monsignor Fisichella, highlighting the reasons for this extraordinary participation.