A cardinal convicted of financial crimes by the Vatican is claiming he can take part in the forthcoming conclave despite being listed as a “non-elector.”

A cardinal convicted of fraud and embezzlement by the Vatican and designated as a “non-elector” is demanding he be allowed to participate in the process to elect the next pontiff, as thousands of mourning faithful line up to pay their last respects to Pope Francis in Rome.

Cardinals are meeting at the Vatican to make the first decisions about running the Catholic Church following the death of Pope Francis