Vatican City, September 12 (Patrika English News): Pope Leo XIV has blessed a one-of-a-kind BMW R 18 Transcontinental motorcycle, which will be auctioned to raise funds for children’s aid projects in Madagascar.
The custom-built bike, finished in mother-of-pearl white with the Vatican’s coat of arms, also carries the Pope’s personal signature on its fuel tank. The initiative was conceived by Thomas Draxler, founder of JESUS-BIKER, with BMW Motorrad Deutschland donating the motorcycle and BMW Motorrad Witzel overseeing its customisation.
The motorcycle was handed over to the Pontiff on September 3, 2025, during a general audience at the Vatican. Markus Flasch, CEO of BMW Motorrad, and Michael Sommer, head of BMW Motorrad Germany, presented the bike to Pope Leo XIV, who blessed and signed it.
Ahead of the presentation, the motorcycle had travelled from Sennfeld to Rome on a symbolic “Peace Ride,” joined by members of JESUS-BIKER, BMW Motorrad, and BMW Witzel. The route included stops in Schaafheim, Altötting, and Verona, accompanied by church services.
The bike will be displayed at BMW Welt in Munich from September 15 to October 7, 2025, before being auctioned by Missio Austria through Sotheby’s in October. All proceeds will go toward supporting children’s projects in Madagascar.
Markus Flasch said: “What initially sounded more like a crazy idea has developed into a great charity campaign. We are proud that BMW Motorrad can contribute to children’s aid projects in Madagascar, and grateful to Pope Leo XIV for supporting this effort.”
