By wanting to seduce young Christians, the Vatican has attracted the wrath of more traditional practitioners. For the 2025 Jubilee, which will be held in December next year in Rome, a trendy mascot was unveiled on October 28. Its name: “Luce”, meaning light in Latin. And the least we can say is that his look contrasts with that of the Pope.
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Manga and rosary
She sports blue hair and codes borrowed from manga pop culture, describes BFMTV. Its eyes are shaped like a scallop shell, a nod to the Camino de Santiago. Some religious symbols have been added such as a rosary or a pilgrim's staff. But these symbols were not enough to convince some faithful.
Their anger and incomprehension were relayed in the Tribune Chrétienne on October 28. The title of the article: “Luce, the Manga mascot of the Jubilee 2025: a brightening or a shadow over the Church? “.
An “incongruous” choice
“It is essential to question the message that a mascot with a manga look sends in the context of a celebration which should highlight spiritual depth and Christian values,” launches the newspaper in its article. “The use of an image that evokes the world of cartoons more than sacredness may seem incongruous,” he continues.
The choice of Italian designer Simone Legno is also criticized, notes Liberation. He is popular in the LGBTQIA+ community. In 2020, he created illustrations for the Los Angeles and San Francisco pride marches. He also created a brand of vibrators. Not really Vatican compatible.
