BMW R 18 Transcontinental Signed by Pope Leo XIV Auctioned for ₱8.9 Million

The BMW Motorrad R 18 Transcontinental, personally signed by Pope Leo XIV, has officially found a new home for a noble cause.

The one-of-a-kind motorcycle was auctioned off by Missio Austria through Sotheby’s at Motorworld in Munich on October 18, 2025, fetching an impressive EUR 130,000 (around ₱8.9 million).

Donated by BMW Motorrad, the exclusive R 18 Transcontinental bore the personal signature of Pope Leo XIV, making it a truly remarkable collector’s item. Proceeds from the sale will go directly to support children’s aid projects in Madagascar, ensuring that this motorcycle’s legacy extends far beyond the road.

BMW Motorrad CEO Markus Flasch celebrated the success, calling it a “wonderful final highlight” of their charity campaign.

"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. Like everyone involved, I am also delighted that we can make a significant contribution with the auction proceeds of 130,000 euros to support aid projects for children in Madagascar together with Missio Austria. And of course, I wish the new owner lots of fun with this unique BMW R 18 Transcontinental," he shared.

A rare union of craftsmanship, faith, and goodwill, this auction proves that even a motorcycle can be a vehicle for hope.