In a move to engage better with younger audiences, the Vatican introduced a new mascot named Luce—a cute, anime-inspired character designed to represent the Catholic faith.
While some see the mascot as a refreshing way to connect with modern believers, reactions from netizens were mixed. The question remains: do we really need a new face for the Catholic Church, or is Jesus enough?
Who Is Luce?
Luce, with her bright blue eyes and a colorful outfit, is intended to appeal to a generation in digital culture. The Vatican wants to bridge the gap between tradition and contemporary expressions of faith, which is why they decided to design Luce as a way to get the youth to be more represented and interested in the religious landscape.
Netizens Are 50/50
The reactions from netizens and Catholics have been anything but uniform. Many shared enthusiasm for Luce as they appreciated the Vatican’s efforts towards the modern times, but, of course, there’s the other end of the coin where some voiced their concerns on several thought-provoking points.
Some pointed out that Jesus should remain the sole focus of the faith. For them, the introduction of Luce may change the core message of Christianity in the youth as there will be a possibility that they’d idolize Luce over Jesus. They argue that Jesus embodies everything believers need: love, guidance, and hope.
Adding to the mixed responses is the name “Luce.” While it means “light” in Latin and is a reference to enlightenment and faith, some worry about its resemblance to “Lucifer,” the light-bringer who unfortunately became the fallen angel.
So, what is your take on this new Vatican mascot? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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