On September 3, 2025, a specially modified BMW R 18 Transcontinental was presented to Pope Leo XIV for his blessing and signature during a ceremony at the Vatican.
No, no, it's not a joke, but don't rush off to Rome hoping to get your favorite scooter or motorcycle blessed, and don't think that this machine was intended for the personal use of His Holiness:this R 18 Transcontinental, painted in pearly white and adorned, among other modifications, with the coat of arms of the Vatican, once blessed and signed, was to be auctioned by Missio Austria via Sotheby's in October 2025, and the proceeds donated to children's aid projects in Madagascar.
The idea apparently originated with BMW Motorrad dealer Witzel and Thomas Draxler, founder of JESUS-BIKER®. It's unbelievable!
Anyway, lA R 18 Transcontinental was offered by BMW Motorrad Deutschland and began its journey on August 31, 2025 with a "Peace Ride" departing from Motorrad Witzel in Sennfeld, heading towards Rome, accompanied by religious services (Yes, really!).
Representatives from JESUS-BIKER®, BMW Motorrad and BMW Witzel participated in this trip, mainly riding BMW R 18s supplied by the BMW Motorrad factory.
On Wednesday, September 3, 2025, Markus Flasch, CEO of BMW Motorrad and Michael Sommer, director of BMW Motorrad Motorrad Deutschland, therefore personally presented the motorcycle to the Pope for blessing and signature, after a general audience at the Vatican.
Markus Flasch summary : “What initially seemed like a crazy idea has turned into a fantastic charitable endeavor. I am delighted that at BMW Motorrad, we can support projects helping children in Madagascar with our R18 Transcontinental. I would also like to thank Pope Leo XIV for taking the time to support this project.”
This unique R 18 Transcontinental was then exhibited at BMW Welt in Munich from September 15 to October 7, 2025, until the auction. October 18, 2025. The proceeds from this auction, amounting to 130 000 euros, will be donated to child aid projects in Madagascar.
Markus FlaschCEO of BMW Motorrad: “The exceptional result of the auction of our R 18 Transcontinental, signed by Pope Leo XIV, is a magnificent culmination to this charitable endeavor. Like all the participants, I am delighted that we can make a significant contribution, with the €130,000 raised, to projects helping children in Madagascar, in collaboration with Missio Austria. And of course, I wish the new owner much enjoyment with this unique BMW R 18 Transcontinental.”
This is becoming something of a tradition, since in 2017, Pope Francis had received a Lamborghini Huracán from the hands of Stefano domenicali, then CEO of Lamborghini. The Lamborghini, signed and blessed by the Pope, was auctioned for charity, raising 715,000 euros.
To date, it is still unknown whether Saint Christopher is watching over the fortunate owners any better…
Photo credits: BMW Motorrad and Vatican Media
