The Vatican Unveils Cute Anime Mascot, Sparks Flood of Unexpectedly Wholesome Fan Art

The Vatican's introduction of Luce, its mascot for the 2025 Jubilee Year, led to a flood of fan art commemorating the cute anime character and her sidekick, a dog named Santino.

Archbishop Fisichella announced on Monday that the Church hopes Luce, a pilgrim in a yellow raincoat and mud-stained boots, will attract a new generation of believers. Judging by the internet's reaction, it is already working.

One user depicted Luce in several scenes, including in the arms of Mary and kneeling before Pope Francis, while an upbeat song played in the background.

"God isn't a mascot, and hating on Luce doesn't make the Orthodox seem cool," another defender chimed in, accompanied with a depiction of Luce as a medieval knight.

X user @Merryweatherey drew a picture of Luce and her dog, Santiago, kneeling in prayer with the caption, "God Bless! #Luce."

"everyone hating...will also be going in the crystals," a second user added in defense of Luce.

"Medieval Luce images are popping now," one Luce fan proclaimed.

X user @LiliAkaLTA noted while they are not Catholic, they found Luce to be "very cute," and drew a sweet rendition of the anime character in her yellow coat.

One fan drew Luce carrying a processional cross.

While a second highlighted her pilgrim's staff.

X user @HimeHinghoi drew Luce in the arms of Jesus in a serene sketch.

Finally, @iam_shwa shared four fan art renditions of Luce, including one with lasers shooting from Luce' scallop shell-shaped eyes, symbolizing pilgrimage and hope, according to the Catholic News Agency.

The 2025 Jubilee Year, also referred to as the Holy Year 2025, is meant to be a year of hope for a world suffering from war, an ongoing pandemic, and climate crisis, according to Technology Inquirer.