How does a motorcycle blessed by the Pope himself sound to you?
Such a beast exists and will be auctioned by Missio Austria via Sotheby’s in October.
Proceeds are destined for children’s aid projects in Madagascar.
The bike, a specially modified BMW R 18 Transcontinental, was presented to Pope Leo XIV for his blessing and signature during a celebrations at the Vatican.
It has been donated by BMW Motorrad Deutschland and customised by Motorrad dealer Witzel.
Witzel and Jesus-Biker founder, Thomas Draxler, came up with the idea to create an absolutely unique bike for the Pope for a good cause.
It has been painted mother-of-pearl white and the Vatican coat of arms was added, among other modifications.
The unique motorcycle began its journey with a ‘Peace Ride’ from Motorrad Witzel in Sennfeld to Rome, passing through Schaafheim, Altötting and Verona, accompanied by church services along the way.
Representatives of Jesus-Biker, BMW Motorrad and BMW Witzel joined the journey, mainly riding BMW R 18 motorcycles provided by BMW Motorrad Germany.
CEO of BMW Motorrad, Markus Flasch, and head of BMW Motorrad Germany, Michael Sommer, presented the motorcycle to the Pope for his blessing and signing, after the general audience at the Vatican.
Flasch said: “What initially sounded more like a crazy idea has developed into a great charity campaign.
“I am happy that we at BMW Motorrad can support aid projects for children in Madagascar with our R18 Transcontinental.
“I would also like to thank Pope Leo XIV for taking the time to support this project.”
This unique R 18 Transcontinental will be on display at BMW Welt in Munich until October 7.
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