>>21615407I'm not an expert on the subject, but as far as the Osaka Expo goes, it looks like nations are encouraged to have their own mascots. See image for what is purported to be the Czech mascot (on the right) See also:
https://x.com/mondomascots/status/1791085734897823911So in terms of having a mascot at all, it's a matter of fitting in with everyone else; including having mascots which reflect the insane Japanese popular culture.
Having a mascot at all, and appealing to the anime fans does seem an unusual choice considering the tradition; but there is also a certain cleverness in it; especially if your goal is to spread the Gospel in Asia; (which happens to be one of the goals of the Catholic Church.
Still on the top of tradition, at least in the US there has been a change in recent years in the way that the church and parishes are set up. Because of both declining attendance and the liability from lawsuits; they created a concept of a 'community of parishes'; where 3 or 4 churches work together as a unit, sharing the work and spreading the labor where needed.
Seeing the Czech mascot with all the eyes, it's only a matter of time before all of the end-times theorists see it and freak out. It's not canon as it is being used now; but it's close enough to something in the book of revelations to get people's attention
