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I think you're missing the point. The Vatican is actually being quite forward thinking here. Luce isn't "beautiful" but she is two things: incredibly memeable and incredibly appealing to the East (which, of course, has the most potential amount of converts to the church... Catholicism and Japan especially have a long history together, beginning in the 16th century; there is a a lot of growth to be had in the East). Comparing anime-inspired art to the literal masterpieces of Michelangelo is a disingenuous comparison. The two pieces of art serve two different functions. The former a transcendental function while the later a more cultural one (although the former is obviously cultural, but I digress). Luce is endearing, adorable, and relatable - especially to Eastern audiences, where many of the Vatican art is incredibly high, beautiful, and almost out of reach, especially in a culture that is accustomed to simple but serene Ukiyo-e paintings, etc. The audience is not you - you already have Michelangelo. But, especially in a society like Japan where people are killing themselves at incredibly high rates, lost and severed from spiritual meaning in their lives, Luce makes the religion all the more appealing and accessible to them. This is the way I look at it I suppose. I agree though - the Vatican needs to continue the tremendous artistic lineage they are founded on. But the comparison you make is beyond the point in my eyes.