In what seemed to be a further confirmation to his simple, humble and laidback lifestyle, one-week-old newly installed Pope Francis has shunned the Vatican Palace and instead has chosen to remain living in the Vatican guesthouse where he has actually been staying since coming to Rome to participate in the papal conclave that chose him to become its supreme spiritual pontiff.

Well at least for the moment, or "until further notice," according to Fr Federico Lombardi, the Vatican's chief spokesman.

"This (Tuesday) morning he let his fellow cardinals know that he will keep living with them for a certain period of time," Fr Lombardi said.

"He is trying out this type of simple living with other priests," he added. It remains uncertain as to when the 266th Pope of the Roman Catholic secular religion faith would move into the vast papal residence.

"It is still a period of getting used to things," Fr Lombardi said, noting the new pope enjoys the residence's community atmosphere where he lives alongside other clergy.

"I can't make long-term predictions, but for now it seems he is experimenting with this type of simple co-habitation," the Vatican spokesman said.

But compared with his previous room during the papal conclave, Pope Francis has since been transferred to a slightly larger 2-room unit suite still in the Santa Martha Residence where he can receive visitors.

Built by Pope John Paul II, Santa Martha Residence is a hotel-style residence located next to St Peter's Basilica.

Every elected pope, for more than a hundred years, has occupied the massive Vatican Palace. It has more than a dozen rooms, staff quarters, a terrace and expansive views overlooking the city of Rome.

According to earlier reports, when Pope Francis first saw the apartment, he exclaimed "you could fit 300 people in here!"

Santa Martha Residence has 106 suites and 22 single rooms.