An Italian cardinal who was convicted of embezzlement and fraud said on Tuesday he will not take part in the secret conclave to elect the new pope that will be held in the Sistine Chapel next week following the death of Pope Francis.

Some see the byword as a rallying call in a conservative campaign to reverse Francis’ push for a more inclusive church.

VATICAN CITY (TNND) — Cardinals will start conclave on May 7 and begin the process of electing a new leader in the Catholic church, the Holy See Press Office announced Monday.