Pope writes to Zanardi saying he has given "lesson of humanity"

FILE PHOTO: Italian driver Alex Zanardi uses his ear sticks before sitting in the cockpit of his specially modified car at the Eurospeedway Lausitzring circuit in the eastern German town of Klettwitz May 11, 2003, before the German 500 CART race. Zanardi returned to the race track in Germany where he lost both legs in a crash. REUTERS/Fabrizio Bensch/File Photo

Pope Francis has written to former Formula One driver and Paralympic champion Alex Zanardi, who is in intensive care after suffering severe head injuries in a handbike accident on Friday, telling him his life is a "lesson of humanity".

In a handwritten letter published by the Gazzetta dello Sport, Pope Francis said the 53-year-old, who turned to handbike racing after losing both legs in a 2001 Champ Car crash in Germany, was an example of how to live life to the full.

Zanardi is an inspirational figure in the worlds of motorsport and Paralympic endeavour, a hugely popular and positive competitor who returned from life-changing injuries with a smile.

FILE PHOTO: Italian BMW 320i racing car driver Alex Zanardi gives a thumbs up before the start of an LG Super Racing car event at the Monza race track October 19, 2003. REUTERS/Giampiero Sposito

He has won a total of four Paralympic gold medals, two each at London in 2012 and Rio de Janeiro in 2016.

"Dear Alessandro, your story is an example of how to succeed in starting again after an unexpected stop," said the letter. "Through sport, you have taught us how to live life to the full, making disability a lesson of humanity.

"Thank you for giving strength to those who had lost it. At this painful time, I am close to you, I pray for you and your family."

File Photo: Italian Race car driver Alex Zanardi crosses the finish line in the Handcycle Division during the 2007 ING New York City Marathon in New York November 4, 2007. REUTERS/Chip East (UNITED STATES)

Zanardi is being treated at the Santa Maria alle Scotte hospital in Siena. The most recent hospital statement on Tuesday said that his condition remained serious but stable.

(Reporting by Brian Homewood; Editing by Ken Ferris)