Pope Francis is not rushing into hasty decisions on whether the heads of Vatican departments will keep their jobs or not.

Rumours have abounded in Rome since the election of Pope Francis last Wednesday as to whether the new pope will move those in senior positions in the Roman curia, the Vatican's much-criticised bureaucracy that has faced allegations of in-fighting and even financial and sexual impropriety.

A statement released on Saturday said the Pope wanted time to think, pray and consult before making his decisions.

It said: "Holy Father Francis has expressed the desire that the Heads and members of the Dicasteries of the Roman Curia, as well as their Secretaries, and also the President of the Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State, continue, provisionally, in their respective positions.

"The Holy Father wishes to reserve time for reflection, prayer, and dialogue before any final appointment or confirmation."

Above: the Pope greets a boy after celebrating Mass at St Anne's Parish within the Vatican yesterday. The new pope greeted every person leaving the small church and then walked over to meet people waiting around St Anne's Gate. Photo: CNS/Paul Haring