The conservative Italian press is accusing France President Emmanuel Macron of trying to interfere with the outcome of the conclave, in favor of a French candidate.

The reports emerged following meetings between the French leader and several cardinal electors, as well as a leader of an influential Catholic movement, ahead of the conclave set to determine Francis’ successor.

Macron had lunch with four of the five cardinal electors of French descent, including Jean-Marc Aveline, the archbishop of Marseille, last Saturday on the sidelines of Pope Francis’ funeral.

The French president also had dinner at a restaurant in Rome with Andrea Riccardi, the head of the Community of Sant’Egidio, a powerful Catholic association with more than 70,000 lay members in 74 countries, and which reportedly has clout over some members of the upcoming conclave.

According to the Italian daily Il Tempo, the French leader asked the cardinals about ways to build a consensus around Aveline. The outlet called the cardinal – who is considered a contender to become the next Pope – an “ultra-European, anti-sovereignist” and “one of the most liberal” members of the conclave.