A new mascot is fascinating social media and sparking a multitude of creative interpretations. Called Luce, it embodies a Japanese style and has already won over the public, thanks to varied and amusing illustrations. Does this original appearance make Luce an unexpected success for the Vatican?
The mascot presented by Monsignor Rino Fisichella has become the protagonist of countless fanarts and interpretations. On TikTok, there are hundreds of videos celebrating her: with another character, would we have obtained the same result?
Difficult there life of a mascot. Even at events where mascots become a ritual, they are not always well received. The Olympic Phryge of Paris 2024 were to be inspired by the caps of the French Revolution, but sparked more than a doubt among the spectators. So, when at the end of October Monsignor Rino Fisichella introduced little Luce, everyone quickly understood the direction taken by the Vatican.
Luce is the mascot of the Jubilee which will be held in Rome in 2025. She wears a yellow raincoata rosary around his neck, muddy boots and blue hair. If you see a strange light in his eyes, it is because we see a shell, one of the symbols of the Way of Saint James. But above all, Luce is manga stylea term for Japanese comics.
This was a desired effect, since the Vatican entrusted the creation of Luce to Simone Legno, the founder of the marque Tokidoki. Of course, the result surprised the public a little at first, but a few days later it seems that Luce achieved her goal.
The thousand faces of Luce: social networks and fanarts
On social networks, Luce was first greeted with a bit of ironythen she became the star of a endless series of fanartsunofficial illustrations created around the original character. If you try searching for Luce on TikTok, the amount of animations already made and posted is impressive.
TIKTOK | Light in Mortal Kombat Version
Luce who fights like one Mortal Kombat characterLuce who challenges demons with her pilgrim’s staff, Luce who participates in a crusade, becomes a cosplayer, takes a selfie with the Pope or becomes the protagonist of a pixel art video game. Perhaps among the best interpretations are those that mix Luce and Evangelion characters.
Note that the phenomenon is not only Italian. The TikToks on Luce are also made in English and Spanish and seem to come from the entire Catholic world. It’s hard to believe this would have worked better with any other mascot. Certainly. The Vatican also relies on marketing : having installed an inflatable at Lucca Comics illuminated representing Luce helped draw attention to her.
TIKTOK | Luce and in fighter version
TIKTOK | A cosplay inspired by Luce
