As October brings out our knit sweaters and pumpkin spice lattes, so, too, does an age-old question re-emerge at this time of year: What should I be for Halloween?
In 2021, America published a list of the best and worst Catholic Halloween costumes to help guide your decision every spooky season. While that article provides some classic options, we wanted to offer some timely and trendy updates for Catholics looking for something unique this Halloween. Whether you’re looking for a solo, couple or group option, these ideas will put you, we hope, in the running for “best costume” at your parish’s Halloween party.
Pope Leo and the Chicago White Sox. In the wake of the 2025 conclave and the election of Pope Leo XIV, the biggest debate spurred was undoubtedly which Chicago-based baseball team the first pope from the United States supported. Although early reports indicated Pope Leo was a fan of the Cubs, his brother clarified that Leo was a lifelong Sox fan. Although the team was not blessed with any special graces this season—with 60 wins and 102 losses—diehard fans may still want to show some support for their team. Just designate the holiest member of your group to dress as our new pontiff, add a White Sox cap, then equip the rest of your friends with Sox gear. Perhaps this costume will inspire the White Sox to a more successful 2026 season.
Luce and friends. Commemorate the last months of the 2025 Jubilee by dressing as the Vatican’s Jubilee cartoon mascot, Luce. With her iconic blue hair, yellow raincoat, green mud-covered boots and walking stick, a Luce costume will help you adopt the pilgrim mentality of the Jubilee year while trick-or-treating around your neighborhood. Bonus points if you have a group of friends to accompany you as Luce’s international companions on the journey: Fe, Xin, Sky and her trusty dog, Santino.
Luce, the Vatican’s cartoon mascot for the Holy Year 2025, and her friends are seen in a drawing by the character’s creator, the Italian artist Simone Legno. Luce’s friends include her dog, Santino, the angel Iubi and fellow pilgrims: Fe, wearing red; Sky wearing blue; and Xin, wearing green. (CNS photo/Iubilaeum2025, Simone Legno)
The Vatican Seagull. A seagull seen atop the Sistine Chapel roof during the 2013 conclave took the world by storm, was memed by thousands of Catholics on every social media platform and then returned (or perhaps it was a friend) during the 2025 conclave. So if you, too, want to be the center of attention, find your best white shirt, feather boa and orange hat (in lieu of a beak) to blow the metaphorical roof off this year’s Halloween.
Pope Leo and his brothers. If you’re looking for a memorable trio costume, consider being the Prevost brothers this Halloween. While Pope Leo’s papal cassock and zuchetto might be the flashiest look of the group, Louis and John Prevost have become famous in their own right after going viral for their candid reactions to the conclave election of their younger brother. To depict Florida resident Louis Prevost, consider a pink linen button-down or floral Hawaiian shirt. For the Chicago-area suburbanite John Prevost, rock the school principal look—and perhaps grab a New York Times tote as an ode to his love of Wordle.
The “Conclave” cardinals. The 2024 film, “Conclave,” took the world by storm earning numerous accolades (including an Oscar) and inspiring endless takes online. So, if you have the right-sized friend group, and a slightly higher budget, dressing up as the leading cardinals could be the costumes for you. You could go the liturgically colored bedsheet route, or make the extra effort to order more accurate attire. Either way, the resulting costumes would be the talk of the Halloween party. Just stay away from the local parish, so no unsuspecting parishioner asks for your friend group’s non-priestly blessing.
Hot Priest and Fleabag: It turns out that when the Hot Priest told Fleabag, “It’ll pass,” he wasn’t talking to us. Six years later and the internet remains obsessed with the heartbreaking dynamic between these two. Not only that, the Hot Priests discussions continue (including at America), as real-life handsome clerics take to social media. Whether you are a committed couple or a platonic pair with unresolved romantic tension, Hot Priest and Fleabag is a perfect duo costume. Simply pair the Hot Priest’s cassock and white collar with Fleabag’s iconic black jumpsuit and nosebleed and do your best not to fall in love.
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