Pope Francis Writes Heartfelt Letter to Alex Zanardi, former F1 Driver Who Remains In Coma After Horror Hand-bike Crash

Pope Francis has written a heartfelt letter to Alex Zanardi, paying tribute to the former Formula One driver and Paralympic champion who is in a medically-induced coma after suffering a severe head injury in a crash during a hand-bike race.   

Zanardi's condition remains 'stationary' according to the latest statement from the the Santa Maria alle Scotte Hospital in Siena where he has been treated since Friday's awful incident in Tuscany. 'The patient is always sedated, intubated and mechanically ventilated and the prognosis remains confidential,' it read.

Zanardi, 53, had both legs amputated following a horrific Indycar crash nearly 20 years ago but had battled back to win four gold medals and two silvers at the 2012 and 2016 Paralympics, compete in the New York City Marathon and set an Ironman record in his class. He also designed his own prosthetics and learned to walk again during his recovery.