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When the spirit of luxury and the power of faith unite, a masterpiece is born.
BMW Motorrad has unveiled a one-of-a-kind BMW R 18 Transcontinental, specially designed and dedicated to Pope Leo XIV. This unique touring motorcycle, blessed and personally signed by the Pope, will soon be offered at a Sotheby’s auction, with all proceeds going to children’s aid projects in Madagascar, organized by Missio Austria.
Unlike any other model, this R 18 Transcontinental carries a singular aura. Finished in pearl-white paint, with the Vatican coat of arms discreetly embossed on its bodywork, the motorcycle radiates peace, purity, and spiritual symbolism. Every refinement, carried out by renowned BMW Motorrad dealer Witzel, was envisioned to merge the monumental presence of BMW engineering with the dignity of papal authority.
On August 31, 2025, the motorcycle embarked on its “Peace Ride”—a symbolic journey from Sennfeld, through Altötting and Verona, all the way to Rome. The caravan, composed of JESUS-BIKER® members, BMW Motorrad enthusiasts, and believers, arrived in the heart of the Vatican, where on September 3 the motorcycle was ceremoniously presented.
In the presence of the faithful and dignitaries, Markus Flasch, CEO of BMW Motorrad, and Michael Sommer, Director of BMW Motorrad Germany, presented the motorcycle to Pope Leo XIV. His blessing and signature transformed this touring model into a worldly-spiritual work of art, unprecedented in the history of the BMW brand.
“What at first sounded like a crazy idea has turned into a great humanitarian mission. I am proud that BMW Motorrad can help the children of Madagascar through this project. I especially thank Pope Leo XIV for his support and dedication,” said Markus Flasch.
Before it finds its new owner, this exceptional motorcycle will be exhibited at BMW Welt in Munich from September 15 to October 7, 2025. It will then head to a grand Sotheby’s auction, where strong interest is expected from collectors and philanthropists worldwide.
This project represents more than a motorcycle—it is an icon of luxury and faith. The BMW R 18 Transcontinental blessed by the Pope becomes a priceless collector’s rarity, a symbol of hope, humanity, and universal unity. The perfect fusion of engineering precision, papal charisma, and humanitarian mission makes it one of the brightest examples of how luxury can serve a higher purpose.
