CNN Vatican analyst John Allen, who's also a correspondent for the National Catholic Reporter, said this is the first clear signal that he may be serious about reform.

"It's customary for new popes to swiftly reconfirm the department heads who lose their positions when the previous pontificate ends, and then take his time about bringing in his team," Allen said.

"The fact that Francis has not followed that path may suggest that significant personnel moves will come sooner rather than later."

Francis wants "a certain period for reflection, prayer and dialogue before (making) any definitive nomination or confirmation," the Vatican statement said.

Questions about the past

The Vatican has sought to quell controversy over Francis' conduct during Argentina's so-called Dirty War, amid accusations that he could have done more to protect two Jesuit priests who were kidnapped.

In a news conference Friday, the Vatican rejected the allegations as defamatory and untrue.

"This was never a concrete or credible accusation in his regard. He was questioned by an Argentinian court as someone aware of the situation but never as a defendant. He has, in documented form, denied any accusations," said the Rev. Federico Lombardi, a Vatican spokesman.

"Instead, there have been many declarations demonstrating how much Bergoglio did to protect many persons at the time of the military dictatorship," he said.

A meeting on the pope's agenda Monday may be another sign that he's trying to put the past behind him. Argentine President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner is scheduled to meet with Francis Monday afternoon.

As archbishop of Buenos Aires in 2010, Francis sharply criticized her government's push to legalize gay marriage, calling proposed legislation "a destructive attack on God's plan." With a front-page counterpunch, the president said the church possessed "attitudes reminiscent of medieval times and the Inquisition."

Some analysts thought Fernandez's lukewarm praise of Francis after he was elected to the papacy Wednesday signaled that old tensions were still simmering. But on Sunday, Argentina's state-run Telam news agency trumpeted Fernandez's arrival in Rome and said she would be the first head of state to meet with the Francis in his new role.

Meeting with Benedict XVI

Francis will meet with his predecessor, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, on Saturday, the Vatican said.

The meeting will take place at the papal summer residence, Castel Gandolfo, where Benedict has been staying since his historic resignation.

It comes amid concern in some quarters that the presence of a living former pope might lead to a conflict of interests or influence.

The Vatican has said that Benedict will not seek to interfere in the running of the church, but will focus on study and prayer.