The Vatican on Tuesday scrapped Pope Francis’ public schedule and audiences through the weekend, as the 88-year-old pontiff recovers from a stubborn respiratory infection.

Francis was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli hospital on Feb. 16 with a polymicrobial infection, sidelining him from the Jubilee Holy Year celebrations meant to draw tens of millions to Rome.

His absence is already reshuffling the Jubilee calendar, with a Feb. 25 Mass for deacons now in the hands of an archbishop amid growing uncertainty over whether Francis will return in time for the next major events on March 8-9.

A Vatican spokesperson told The Associated Press that the pope had a calm night of rest and was able to eat breakfast and read the paper on Tuesday morning.

The Vatican has said a more detailed medical update could be expected later.

• Emma Ayers can be reached at eayers@washingtontimes.com.