During an event to raise funds to help children in Madagascar, Pope Leo XIV blessed a modified BMW R 18 Transcontinental motorcycle.
The auction will be held by Missio Austria through Sotheby’s in October 2025.
The motorcycle was donated by BMW Motorrad Deutschland, but Thomas Draxler, founder of JESUS-BIKER, had the idea for the Pope to bless the BMW.
The vehicle, nicknamed “Peace Ride,” was painted pearl white and received the Vatican coat of arms before being blessed by the Pope.
When the motorcycle arrived at the Vatican, BMW Motorrad CEO Markus Flasch and Michael Sommer, head of BMW Motorrad Germany, presented the motorcycle to the Pope.
In celebration of the event, Flasch said:
“I am happy that we at BMW Motorrad can support projects to help children in Madagascar with our R 18 Transcontinental. I would also like to thank Pope Leo XIV for dedicating his time to support this project.”
Photos: BMW Group Press. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
