Zanardi receives blessings of the very highest order

Especially in Italy, there is one person above all parties. That's not the President, it's the Pope. How much the story of Alessandro Zanardi means is shown by the fact that he also receives a written statement of support from the Vatican.

In a letter to the racing legend and paralympic hero, Pope Francis expressed his support for the Italian who is currently fighting for his life in the hospital in Siena. The Pope is not unaware of the special story of Zanardi, who lost both his thoughts in an accident at the Lusatia Shrine in 2001.

"Dear Alessandro, your story is an example of how you can start again after a sudden stop. Through sport you have taught us how to live life to the fullest, where disability has become a lesson in humanity. Thank you for giving strength to those who had lost it. In this painful time I am close to you, I pray for you and your family. May the Lord bless you and Our Lady."

Zanardi suffered serious brain damage in a handbike accident last Friday, and is currently in an artificial coma. In the very short term, his situation is unlikely to change, which is why the hospital has indicated on Wednesday that it will not be publishing daily updates for the time being.