On September 3, 2025, Pope Leo XIV received a BMW R 18 Transcontinental from the “Jesus Bikers” as part of the charity initiative a “Race for Peace” organized from Germany. The group traveled to the Vatican from Schaafheim, passing through Altötting and Verona, with the expectation of handing over the motorcycle during the pontiff’s general audience in St. Peter’s Square.
It is not the first time that a biker group has presented a gift to the pontiff. Previously, he received his own personalized GIVI helmet on the occasion of the Jubilee 2025. The initiative, promoted by the Cammino Giubilare dei Motociclisti Association, presented him with this helmet, transformed into a unique work, which represents the union between identity, culture and passion shared by millions of motorcyclists around the world.
An R 18 Transcontinental signed and “blessed” by His Holiness
The R 18 Transcontinental descended the famous stairs of St. Peter’s Basilica before parking on a platform so that His Holiness could sign the fuel tank, get on the bike and take photos with it. Affectionately known as “the Pope’s motorcycle”, this unit, associated with the chassis number WB10L410XN6E93039was custom prepared by the German workshop Motorrad Witzel.
For its part, the paint workshop Eugen Hering collaborated in the creation of the special shade Witzel Mystikweiß Brillant, inspired by the popemobile. The motorcycle is adorned with numerous papal details, such as a plaque dedicated to Pope Leo XIV on the engine block, the inscription “peace” on the upper trunk and a seat upholstered in white leather.
Now the 156,000 euros raised For this BMW R 18 Transcontinental of 2024 they will serve to finance the humanitarian organization directed by the Pope, aimed at helping the children of Madagascar. These funds will be used, according to information, to support minors who work in mica mines and offer them the possibility of attending school.
