An Italian cardinal who was convicted of embezzlement and fraud said on April 29 he will not take part in the secret conclave to elect the new pope that will be held beginning on May 7 in the Sistine Chapel following the death of Pope Francis.

A conclave is the centuries-old election of a pope that derives its name from the Italian “con clave” (with a key) to underscore that cardinals are sequestered until they find a winner. Cardinals have no contact with the outside world after the master of liturgical ceremonies utters the words “Extra Omnes” the Latin phrase for “all out,