Progressivism in the Church
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Church Revolution in Pictures
Photo of the Week
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Leo's moto propria
In Italian Leo's moto propria means: Pope Leo's own motorcycle. Not to be confused with the Latin motu proprio, which is a type of papal document issued by the Pope on his own initiative.In fact, above, we see Pope Prevost during a general audience at St. Peter's Square on September 3, 2025, seated on a BMW R18 Transcontinental motorcycle customized to accommodate the papal style.
It is white, has the Vatican coat-of-arms and bears Leo's signature. It was given to him by the group Jesus Bikers – several of its members can be seen in the background – to be auctioned for charity to support children's aid projects in Madagascar.
No doubt it is a good cause. A Pope should support the needy children in Madagascar. Nonetheless, the fact that he is seated on the motorcycle, giving the impression he is ready to take it for a spin, sends the wrong message that a Pope should adapt himself to the modern world.
Indeed, it is a wrong message. In the Syllabus of Errors, Proposition 80, Pope Pius IX expressly condemns this position: "The Roman Pontiff can, and ought to, reconcile himself, and come to terms with progress, liberalism and modern civilization."
Photo from
The Sunday Times
