It was presented on Monday 28 October Lightthe new mascot of the Jubilee, the Holy Year that Pope Francis has called starting next December. Designed with a manga-inspired aesthetic, Luce is a pilgrim child, a symbol of faith and hope. Vatican News, the Vatican’s official information portal, describes Luce as “a little girl with boots muddy from walking”, an image that immediately evokes the idea of a spiritual journey undertaken with courage. A shell shines in his eyes, the famous symbol of the Camino de Santiago, which recalls the pilgrimage as an act of devotion and inner research. With his staff, dirty pilgrim boots, a cross around his neck and some mascot companions at his side (a little dog, an angel and a dove of peace, called Santino, Iubi and Aura respectively), the design is full of sacred references .
At his side there are also friends called Fe, Xin and Sky, representing the meeting of different cultures. The style is tender and symbolic, but has not failed to arouse controversy, especially in recent days, given that the mascot will be presented at Lucca Comics & Games in a dedicated space.
Such a stylistic choice, which distances itself from traditional Christian iconography, underlines the clear search for dialogue with an audience that can be as young and as international as possible, especially in view of the presence of the mascot at Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan . Indeed, manga aesthetics are deeply rooted in Japanese culture, with simple features and large eyes that express intense and immediate emotions, as well as widespread global popularity.
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The designer
The graphic project was curated by the Roman designer Simone Legno, known for having also created Italia, the mascot of the Italian Pavilion at the Osaka Expo 2025.
The decision to adopt a manga-inspired character reflects the Vatican’s desire to embrace new forms of communication to spread a universal message of peace and solidarity. The 2025 Jubilee aims to be an opportunity for spiritual renewal and cultural opening, and Luce will be the symbolic spokesperson of this mission, ready to guide the faithful along a path of faith with a language that aims for inclusion and modernity.
We leave you with the official video of the presentation:
