The Roman Catholic pontiff also canceled his audiences on Monday. It is the first time in more than one year the pope has had to miss an audience due to illness.

John Paul began to fall ill on Sunday, and doctors advised him to cut back on his activities.

The Vatican Tuesday issued a brief statement announcing the cancellations on the pope's schedule, but did not release any specific information about his condition.

The increasingly frail, 84-year-old pope suffers from Parkinson's disease and arthritis, but continues to maintain a full travel schedule, hold audiences and perform his papal duties.