The Vatican says Pope Francis will visit his predecessor next Saturday.

The Vatican spokesman, the Rev. Federico Lombardi, said Francis will call on Benedict XVI at the Castel Gandolfo papal retreat in the hills south of Rome.

The visit will be significant given the novelty of having a reigning and retired pope side-by-side.

Benedict resigned Feb. 28, the first pontiff in 600 years to step down.

Meantime, Francis, who was elected on Wednesday, welcomed journalists to the Vatican Saturday, offering intimate insights into the moments after his election.

The pontiff told them he was inspired to take the name Francis in honour of St. Francis of Assisi's work for peace and the poor.

The gathering begins a busy week for the pontiff that includes his installation Mass on Tuesday.

Monday, he'll visit with Argentine President Christina Fernandez.

The two have often clashed over Fernandez's support for measures such as gay marriage and free contraceptives.