The recent passing of Pope Francis has sparked a surge in cryptocurrency activity, with the meme coin LUCE experiencing a dramatic rise of over 130%. This Solana-based meme coin has gained significant traction in the market, and other Pope-inspired meme coins have also emerged.
LUCE Meme Coin: A Quick Overview
LUCE, an unofficial meme coin named after the mascot of the Holy Year of 2025, was launched in late October 2024 following the mascot’s unveiling in Vatican City. Despite having no official connection to the Vatican or Pope Francis, LUCE has captured the attention of cryptocurrency traders and enthusiasts.
In the past 24 hours, LUCE surged to a daily high of $0.02517, although it is currently trading at approximately $0.015. Within two days of its launch, LUCE’s market cap exceeded $80 million, making it one of the largest coins created by pump.fun.
Current Market Statistics
- Market Cap: Approximately $15 million
- Liquidity: Around $1.8 million
- Holder Count: Close to 44,750 traders
- Daily Trading Volume: Over $40.7 million
Despite its popularity, LUCE has been flagged with a 100% rug pull probability warning by certain tracking platforms, urging investors to approach with caution.
Impact of Pope Francis’ Death on Meme Coin Trends
The announcement of Pope Francis’ death on April 21, 2025, due to double pneumonia, has fueled interest in Pope-inspired meme coins. This development has led to the creation of several new Solana-based tokens, including Francis, POPE, RIP POPE, and RIP, each featuring imagery or references to the late Pope.
Among these, the Francis coin, launched shortly after the news broke, has already seen a rise of over 115%. These meme coins are gaining attention as traders look to capitalize on the news-driven momentum.
Market Movement in the Past Week
While LUCE experienced a sharp increase following the news, it has also seen a decline of nearly 40% in the past week. The coin’s price spike coincided with the Vatican’s confirmation of Pope Francis’ passing, which occurred at 7:35 AM local time.
“The passing of Pope Francis has created a unique scenario in the cryptocurrency market, with meme coins leveraging the news to gain traction.”
Key Considerations for Investors
For those interested in trading meme coins inspired by recent events, it is crucial to exercise caution and conduct thorough research. Meme coins are highly speculative and often volatile, with the potential for rug pulls and sudden price drops. Here are some tips for navigating this market:
- Monitor token liquidity and holder statistics.
- Review warning labels or risk assessments provided by tracking platforms.
- Avoid investing more than you can afford to lose in speculative assets.
- Stay updated on news that may impact market movements.
The rise of LUCE and other Pope-inspired tokens underscores the unpredictable nature of the cryptocurrency market, where news events can significantly influence trading activity.