Vatican launches animated mascot: Ruth

2025 will mark holy year jubilee In honor of the Catholic Church and to mark this special occasion, they have just unveiled their first animated mascot: Luce.

The anime-inspired Luce is the Vatican’s first attempt at mascot marketing for Holy Year celebrations. Archbishop Rino Fisichella, Support from the Ministry of Evangelization and The lead organizer of the Vatican celebrations explained that the mascot is part of the Vatican’s goal to “attract new generations and better interact with them”Pop culture is deeply loved by our young people. “

Luce’s relationship with Japan

Luce’s design is very reminiscent of cute anime chibi figures, or stylish collectible figures like Nendoroid and Pop Mart – that’s no coincidence. The mascot was designed by Italian artist Simone Legno, known for all the timea Japanese-inspired art and lifestyle brand. Tokidoki produces a variety of kawaii-centric products such as clothing, bags, stationery, and artistic figures from numerous character lines. Lenio expressed his gratitude to the Evangelization Ministry for embracing popular culture and reorienting the faith to the interests of younger generations.

Holy SeeThe central governing bodies of the Catholic Church and the Vatican City State will also be in Expo 2025 Osaka Cooperation with the Italian Pavilion. Their Expo logo was inspired by Japan Ink painting As Archbishop Fisichella described it, the ink paintings are “a combination of Christian symbols and Japanese culture.”

The Holy See also appointed four artists as ambassadors for the Osaka exhibition: sculptor Etsuro Soto from Fukuoka, Italian sculptor Cecco Bonanotte who is popular in Japan, famous music conductor Tomomi Nishimoto and internationally renowned manga artist Hiroshi Takahama. series lantern of knicks. The Luce mascot is another step in the Vatican’s efforts to attract Japanese audiences and young Catholics.

Design origin

Luce’s name means “light” in Italian, matching the celebration’s “Pilgrims of Hope” theme. Ruth has blue hair and eyes shining like shells, which represents Scallop shell from the Camino de Santiago, symbol of the Catholic pilgrimage. The character also wears a yellow raincoat with the Jubilee logo, muddy boots, a cane and a cross; symbolizing one’s journey through life’s storms.

“[Luce] Depicting elements typical of pilgrims,” explained Archbishop Fisichella said: “The yellow raincoat is for protection from wind and rain, the boots are stained with mud from travel, the missionary cross is hung around the neck, the pilgrim’s staff and, above all, the glowing eyes , symbolizing inner hope.”

ruth and friends debut

Joining Ruth on her journey are her friends: Fe, Xin and Sky. Other supporting characters include Ola the pigeon and Santino the dog. The characters will make their public debut at Lucca Comics and Games, Europe’s largest comics, games and anime convention. This is the first time the Vatican has participated in the event.

Soon after the Vatican’s surprise announcement, “Luce & Friends” was already gaining traction online among religious believers and anime fans alike, sparking discussions, fan art and memes.

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