A one-of-a-kind BMW R 18 Transcontinental, blessed and signed by Pope Leo XIV, has successfully been auctioned for an impressive €130,000. The auction took place on October 18, 2025, at Motorworld in Munich through Sotheby’s, with all proceeds donated to Missio Austria in support of children’s aid projects in Madagascar.

The custom-built R 18 Transcontinental began its remarkable journey earlier this year when it was presented to the Pope during a special ceremony at the Vatican on September 3, 2025. Donated by BMW Motorrad and refined by BMW Motorrad dealer Witzel, the motorcycle was finished in pearl white and adorned with the Vatican coat of arms, a true symbol of craftsmanship, faith, and charity.

This extraordinary project was a collaborative effort between BMW Motorrad Deutschland, BMW Witzel, and the JESUS-BIKER® organization, who rode the motorcycle from Germany to Rome in a “Peace Ride” that captured global attention. The initiative aimed to merge the spirit of motorcycling with a higher cause, raising awareness and funds for those in need.

BMW Motorrad CEO Markus Flasch expressed his gratitude for the campaign’s success, stating, “The fantastic result of the auction of our R 18 Transcontinental signed by Pope Leo XIV is a wonderful final highlight of this charity campaign. We are proud to support children’s aid projects in Madagascar together with Missio Austria, and we wish the new owner great joy with this truly unique motorcycle.”