Leo XIV visited an Augustinian sanctuary near Rome Saturday in his first outing since being made pope, after telling cardinals he intended to follow his predecessor's path as pontiff, praising Francis's "complete dedication to service".

The Chicago-born pontiff paid a "private visit" Saturday afternoon to the Mother of Good Counsel Sanctuary in Genazzano, about 50 kilometres (31 miles) southeast of Rome, the Vatican said.

Earlier, addressing a meeting of cardinals at the Vatican just two days after being elected the 267th pope, he provided some early clues as to what his priorities and style would be.

Leo explained his new choice of name reflected a commitment to social causes while describing himself as St Peter's "unworthy Successor".

Born Robert Francis Prevost, the pope told assembled cardinals a pontiff was "a humble servant of God and of his brothers and sisters, and nothing more than this".

He praised Francis's "complete dedication to service and to sober simplicity of life", according to a transcript of the gathering published by the Vatican.

"Let us take up this precious legacy and continue on the journey, inspired by the same hope that........

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