The Paralympic praised by Pope Francis goes to the operating room to rebuild his face

Italian car racing champion become Paralympic gold medalist Alex Zanardi underwent five-hour surgery on Monday to rebuild his face following an accident with his handbike last month.

It was the third major operation that Zanardi has had since crashing into a truck arriving near the Tuscan city of Pienza on June 19 during a relay event.

Dr. Paolo Gennaro of the Santa Maria alle Scotte Hospital in Siena said that the operation required "made to measure" digital and computerized three-dimensional technology for Zanardi.

"The complexity of the case was quite unique, although it is a type of fracture that we usually deal with," said Gennaro in a hospital statement.

After the surgery, Zanardi was returned to the coma-induced intensive care unit.

"His condition remains stable in terms of cardio-respiratory status and serious in terms of neurological status," reads the hospital's medical bulletin.

53-year-old Zanardi, who lost both legs in a car crash nearly 20 years ago, remained on a fan after the crash.

Zanardi suffered severe facial and head injury and doctors warned of possible brain damage.

Zanardi won four gold and two silver medals at the 2012 and 2016 Paralympics. He also participated in the New York City Marathon and set an Ironman record in his class.

Last month, Pope Francis wrote a handwritten letter of encouragement assuring Zanardi and his family his prayers. The pope praised Zanardi as an example of strength in the midst of adversity.