Academy Awards hopeful "Conclave" reveals system behind selecting a new pontiff, as Pope Francis remains hospitalized, battling pneumonia. (Feb. 27)

There has long been a Vatican taboo against openly talking about a conclave when a pope is sick: It’s considered gauche to speculate about the election of a new pope while the current one is fighting for his life.

Comedian Conan O'Brien was tapped to host the 97th Academy Awards, better known as the Oscars, on Sunday night.

While Pope Francis battles pneumonia in a Rome hospital, a curious juxtaposition has emerged: the Academy Awards buzz around the film Conclave.The Vatican traditionally avoids discussing papal succession while the current pontiff is ill,