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BMW’ s R 18 Transcontinental Receives Papal Blessing Ahead of Charity Auction
In a spectacle that blurred the lines between sacred tradition and modern motorcycle culture, Pope Leo XIV blessed and signed a specially modified BMW R 18 Transcontinental during a celebratory event at the Vatican on September 3, 2025. Far more than a symbolic moment, the motorcycle will now go under the hammer at Sotheby’ s in October, with proceeds dedicated to children’ s aid projects in Madagascar.
The one-of-a-kind R 18 Transcontinental, resplendent in mother-of-pearl white paint and adorned with the Vatican’ s coat of arms, was donated by BMW Motorrad Deutschland and meticulously refined by BMW dealer Witzel. The idea was sparked by Thomas Draxler, founder of JESUS-BIKER ®, alongside Witzel, who wanted to create something truly unique for the Pope— an extraordinary gesture that would ultimately benefit those most in need.
But this motorcycle didn’ t simply appear in Rome. Its journey began on August 31, when a“ Peace Ride” set off from Motorrad Witzel’ s base in Sennfeld, winding its way through Schaafheim, the pilgrimage town of Altötting, and Verona before reaching the Eternal City. The procession, made up largely of BMW R 18s provided by BMW Motorrad Germany, wasn’ t just a ride; it was a moving celebration, marked by church services along the route and joined by members of JESUS-BIKER ®, BMW
Motorrad, and Witzel himself.
When the bike finally arrived in Vatican City, it was presented personally by Markus Flasch, CEO of BMW Motorrad, and Michael Sommer, head of BMW Motorrad Germany. After the Pope’ s general audience, the machine received not only his blessing but also his signature— transforming an already rare motorcycle into a singular piece of cultural and spiritual history.
“ What initially sounded more like a crazy idea has developed into a great charity campaign,” said Flasch, reflecting on the project.“ I am happy that we at BMW Motorrad can support aid projects for children in Madagascar with our R 18 Transcontinental. I would also like to thank Pope Leo XIV for taking the time to support this project.”
Before it reaches the auction block, this heavenly twowheeled creation will be on display at BMW Welt in Munich from September 15 through October 7, offering the public a chance to witness a motorcycle that carries not just the engineering might of BMW, but also the blessing of the Vatican. With its papal signature, storied journey, and charitable mission, the R 18 Transcontinental is set to become more than a collector’ s item, it’ s a rolling testament to faith, generosity, and the unlikely harmony between chrome, culture, and compassion. TRAVERSE
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