The Christian Jesus Bikers presented the Pope with a custom-designed BMW R 18 cruiser, destined for a charity auction to aid children in Madagascar’s mica mines
Newsroom (04/09/2025, Gaudium Press ) A convoy of black-clad motorcyclists roared into St. Peter’s Square on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, to present Pope Leo XIV with a custom-designed BMW R 18 motorcycle cruiser, destined for a charity auction to aid children in Madagascar’s mica mines. The Christian Jesus Bikers, a faith-driven motorcycle club, made the pilgrimage from Schaafheim, Germany, as part of the Jubilee of Hope.
At the conclusion of his general audience, Pope Leo XIV met with the bikers, blessed the white two-cylinder boxer engine motorcycle, and even climbed aboard to the cheers of the group. The pontiff’s signature now adorns the bike, which will be auctioned in Munich on October 18, with proceeds benefiting Missio Austria’s efforts to support exploited children in Madagascar.
“This pilgrimage isn’t just about fun or meeting the pope,” said Father Karl Wallner, OCist., director of Missio Austria, in an interview with EWTN News. “It’s about helping the poorest of the poor.” Wallner noted the pope’s enthusiasm, recounting how Pope Leo told BMW’s CEO he enjoyed riding motorcycles, prompting Wallner to dub him “the first motorcycling pope.”
The BMW R 18, customized by Germany’s Witzel company, was the centerpiece of the three-day ride to Rome, which included daily Masses at churches along the route. Approximately 30 Jesus Bikers also passed through the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica and attended Mass together on September 3.
The Jesus Bikers, with over 100 members worldwide, emphasize faith and fellowship over traditional motorcycle club hierarchies. “Rocky,” a Protestant member from Berlin, told EWTN News he was drawn to the group’s openness after finding them online. “The honesty and freedom attracted me,” he said. “You just need to be baptized, believe in Jesus Christ, and own a motorcycle. We pray, ride, and do good.”
Claus Dempewolf, who oversees recruitment for the club, described the journey’s first leg as a success. “The weather was perfect, the roads were good,” he told EWTN News. When asked who decides membership, Dempewolf quipped, “Our president is Jesus Christ, and our road captain is the Holy Spirit.”
The Jesus Bikers have a history with pontiffs. Pope Francis, an honorary member, received a white motorcycle from the group in 2019. In 2013, he was gifted two Harley-Davidson motorcycles and a leather jacket by Harley owners celebrating the brand’s 110th anniversary in Rome. One of those bikes, autographed by Francis, along with the jacket, fetched over $350,000 at a 2014 auction for a Rome charity.
The September 3 event underscored the Jesus Bikers’ mission to blend faith, community, and charity, with Pope Leo XIV’s blessing amplifying their cause on a global stage.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from CNA
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