The Vatican has introduced “Luce,” a groundbreaking mascot created for the upcoming 2025 Jubilee Year, marking the first time the Catholic Church has used a mascot to represent this sacred event. Designed by Italian artist Simone Legno, co-founder of the renowned art brand tokidoki, Luce aims to bring joy and accessibility to the Jubilee, an event traditionally held every 25 years to encourage spiritual renewal, penance, and pilgrimage. The Vatican unveiled Luce on October 28, 2024, and the new mascot has been met with positive responses from the public and media alike, showcasing the Church’s modernized approach to connecting with believers and newcomers alike.
The Jubilee Year is expected to attract over 30 million pilgrims to Rome, with celebrations set to begin on Christmas Eve 2024 with the opening of the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica. The Jubilee, a longstanding Catholic tradition, offers a chance for the faithful to renew their spiritual lives through a journey of faith, forgiveness, and devotion. The choice of a mascot is intended to add a fresh dimension to the solemnity of the event, particularly aimed at engaging younger generations and making the holy celebration more approachable. The Jubilee is scheduled to conclude on January 6, 2026, marking a year dedicated to the theme “Pilgrims of Hope.”
Symbolism and Cultural Significance of Luce
Luce, meaning “light” in Italian, is designed to embody the hope, joy, and guidance associated with a pilgrim’s journey. Dressed in a symbolic yellow raincoat and accompanied by a small dog named Santino, Luce’s features reflect the essence of pilgrimage. Her eyes, shaped like shells, represent the journey of faith, while her mud-splattered boots and cross-topped staff signify the physical and spiritual challenges pilgrims undertake. Designed with Legno’s unique blend of Japanese and Italian pop art styles, Luce appeals to a contemporary audience, especially the youth, offering a fresh, relatable face to a centuries-old tradition.
The Vatican’s decision to feature Luce at the Lucca Comics and Games convention, Italy’s largest event for comics and games, demonstrates its strategic outreach to young audiences. Archbishop Rino Fisichella, the Vatican’s chief Jubilee organizer, emphasized that Luce connects with “the pop culture beloved by our young people.” By participating in this convention, the Vatican signals a willingness to reach diverse groups, engaging in cultural dialogue through popular media and aligning with younger generations’ interests.
Luce’s Role in the Jubilee Year and Beyond
As a central figure throughout the Jubilee celebrations, Luce will guide pilgrims and symbolically represent the themes of hope and renewal. Beyond welcoming visitors in Rome, Luce will also make a global appearance at Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan, as part of the Vatican’s exhibit under the theme “Beauty Brings Hope.” This exhibit will include a loaned Caravaggio masterpiece, “The Entombment of Christ,” emphasizing the Jubilee’s theme of beauty as a path to spiritual rejuvenation. The inclusion of art from the Vatican’s collection underscores the Church’s dedication to promoting both cultural and spiritual values on an international stage.
The Jubilee Year tradition itself traces back to Pope Boniface VIII in 1300, who established the concept of a “holy year” as a time for renewal, spiritual growth, and reconciliation. Although typically held every 25 years, recent popes have declared extraordinary jubilees, like Pope Francis’ 2016 Year of Mercy, in response to particular spiritual needs. This upcoming Jubilee, “Pilgrims of Hope,” will continue that legacy, inviting the faithful to explore faith amid contemporary challenges and global uncertainties.
Artist’s Perspective and Vatican’s Vision
Simone Legno, who brings Luce to life through his vibrant pop art style, expressed his deep honor in collaborating with the Vatican. He emphasized that Luce bridges the sacred and the familiar, creating a character that embodies messages of hope and joy across age groups. The Vatican’s collaboration with an artist known for modern pop culture reflects its innovative approach to evangelization, showing an openness to new forms of expression that reach today’s diverse audiences.
With Luce as its new emblem, the Vatican opens a new chapter in how it engages the global community. As millions prepare to embark on a journey to Rome for the Jubilee, Luce will serve as a symbol of hope and unity, resonating with the Church’s mission to inspire faith in all generations. Through this unique mascot, the Vatican hopes to foster a deeper connection with people worldwide, blending tradition with a modern touch that speaks to the enduring values of the Catholic faith.