CBS Anchor’s Bizarre Joke During Sacred Papal Conclave Sparks Backlash

VATICAN CITY — In a moment meant to highlight the reverence of a centuries-old tradition, a CBS anchor tossed in a head-scratching sex joke — and now critics are asking: what on earth was he thinking?

CBS Mornings co-host Tony Dokoupil, 44, stunned viewers on Tuesday with an eyebrow-raising remark during live coverage of the Vatican’s papal conclave — the holy ceremony in which Catholic cardinals from around the globe lock themselves inside the Sistine Chapel to select a new pope.

As CBS contributor and Vatican expert John Allen explained that the cardinals’ electronic devices had been confiscated to preserve the sanctity of the vote, Dokoupil smirked and chimed in: “I believe the kids call it ‘rawdogging’ it.”

The term, well-known among younger Americans, refers to having sex without a condom — and its use on live television during one of Christianity’s most sacred rituals didn’t go unnoticed.

“Completely inappropriate,” said Faith and Freedom Coalition spokesperson Marisa Lorne. “There’s a time for humor, and then there’s a time for respect. This crossed the line.”

Even his CBS colleague Delia Gallagher, caught off guard, tried to laugh it off. “Well… they’re of a certain age, so they might be used to it,” she said awkwardly, attempting to move the conversation along.

Dokoupil, known for trying to blend pop culture with news commentary, attempted to clarify his comment — explaining that “rawdogging it” also refers to going without a phone or tech device in the modern world.

But the damage was already done.

A Clash of Cultures in Real Time

The joke came as 133 cardinals entered total seclusion behind the locked doors of the Sistine Chapel. As is tradition, they remain cut off from the outside world — no phones, no emails, no texts — until a new pope is chosen.

The conclave is one of the most ancient and solemn practices in Western civilization. No media is allowed inside. The only sign the world gets is the smoke: black means no decision, white means a new pope has been chosen.

This year’s gathering follows the death of Pope Francis in April at age 88. The Argentine pontiff was praised by some for pushing social reform but also criticized — particularly by many in the U.S. — for taking the Church in a more liberal direction.

“There’s real concern among conservatives that the next pope could double down on the same agenda,” said Father Mark Calhoun, a U.S.-based Catholic commentator. “Many are praying for a return to orthodoxy.”

Rumors of potential successors have been swirling — with over 130 candidates, including rising stars from Africa and Asia. But Vatican insiders say the College of Cardinals is split between two camps: one that wants a return to traditional values, and another that seeks to carry on Pope Francis’ modernist reforms.

A Moment the World Is Watching — and Mocking

While Catholic faithful wait for the puff of white smoke, online observers — particularly Gen Z — have turned the solemn event into meme fodder. Social media is flooded with “conclave party” gifs and jokes about cardinals detoxing from Instagram.

But Dokoupil’s comment went beyond meme culture and veered into disrespect — at least according to many Americans who still see religion as a cornerstone of civil society.

“It’s another reminder of how out of touch the mainstream media is with traditional values,” said radio host Todd Michaels. “If that had been any other religion, they wouldn’t dare make that kind of joke.”

As of Wednesday afternoon, CBS has not issued a public apology or statement addressing the backlash.

Meanwhile, the conclave continues inside Vatican walls, where no doubt the cardinals remain unaware of the uproar outside.

But once a new pope is chosen, he might return to a Church facing not only spiritual challenges — but cultural ones too.

Will he be a traditionalist who champions Christian values in a shifting world, or another progressive reformer?

Time — and the smoke — will tell.