Vatican's blue-haired mascot ignites online controversy

The year 2025 has been declared the Jubilee Year by the Vatican, with the celebrations being held under the slogan "Pilgrims of Hope." The ceremonies will commence on December 24 of this year at 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time. On this occasion, organizers have prepared some surprises for participants, including a mascot symbolizing the event. The blue-haired girl has sparked substantial debate.

Simone Legno is an Italian artist with thousands of fans on social media. He recently collaborated with the Vatican to create a mascot for the Jubilee Year inspired by anime. The figurine depicts a blue-haired girl named Luce, meant to symbolize a pilgrim—she wears traveler's signature elements: a yellow raincoat, muddy boots, a missionary cross around her neck, and a pilgrim's staff. The doll's name references the word luce, meaning light in Italian.

The artist also created other figurines, designing three other characters: Fe, Xin, and Sky, which together form "Luce and Friends".

The modern project has not been well received by many internet users, mainly due to the previous activities of the figurine's creator. He is a supporter of LGBTQ+ people, and his works often reference queer society. Additionally, he works for the brand Tokidoki, which has collaborated with, among others, British erotic toy manufacturer Lovehoney.

A flood of critical comments appeared online: "Cool until I found out what the author and this company do", "this won't make the church more popular", "The world is falling apart", "This is the strangest thing I've heard recently", "In my opinion, this is not a good idea. Overpowering true faith with plush toys, etc. A true symbol can be the cross, not mascots."