In a moment that has since gone viral for all the wrong reasons, CBS anchor Tony Dokoupil stunned viewers with a slang-laden comment during a live segment covering the 2025 papal conclave. While discussing the cardinal-electors’ isolation inside the Sistine Chapel, Dokoupil remarked that the Church leaders were “raw-dogging it,” a comment that ignited confusion, criticism, and no small amount of second-hand embarrassment across social media.The term “raw-dogging,” though it has entered popular slang with multiple informal uses, is widely known to refer to engaging in sexual activity without protection. Dokoupil’s use of the term in relation to the spiritual process of choosing the next head of the Roman Catholic Church left many viewers shocked and others simply baffled.
A Papal Process Cloaked in Tradition
To provide context, the conclave—derived from the Latin cum clave, meaning “with a key”—is the centuries-old procedure by which the College of Cardinals elects the next pope. Following the death of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025, 133 cardinal-electors were called to the Vatican to participate in the secretive process. The rules are strict: no mobile phones, no internet access, no outside communication. The goal is to encourage divine inspiration rather than political interference or external influence.This digital blackout was the subject of discussion on CBS Mornings, with veteran Vatican correspondent John Allen explaining that the cardinals were entirely cut off from the outside world. Dokoupil chimed in, saying, “They’re raw-dogging the conclave—no phone, no text, no nothing.” Co-hosts Gayle King and Nate Burleson appeared momentarily stunned before continuing the segment with nervous laughter.“This Phrase and the Conclave Do Not Go Together”The backlash was immediate. Social media platforms erupted with posts from viewers expressing everything from disbelief to outrage. Some commentators labelled it inappropriate, disrespectful, or tone-deaf, particularly given the solemnity of the event being covered. “This phrase and the conclave do not go together,” wrote one user on X (formerly Twitter). Another posted, “Just had to explain to my Catholic grandmother what ‘raw-dogging’ means.Thanks, CBS.”The term, while occasionally used in internet parlance to describe enduring something without assistance or support (e.g., “raw-dogging reality” or “raw-dogging a Monday without coffee”), still carries a sexually explicit connotation in most contexts. Its sudden appearance in a formal news segment about a sacred religious ritual was, for many, jarring.A few defenders of Dokoupil suggested that the anchor was attempting to use modern slang to appeal to younger viewers or inject humour into a long broadcast. But critics pointed out that there is a time and place for levity, and a centuries-old ecclesiastical election process likely isn’t one of them.
A Pattern of Edgy Moments?
This isn’t the first time Tony Dokoupil has attracted scrutiny for offbeat on-air behaviour. In 2023, he was involved in a tense interview with British actor Jason Isaacs over the Israel-Gaza conflict. Earlier this year, he received criticism for a segment with former NFL coach Bill Belichick that many viewers felt was unnecessarily combative.CBS has not issued a formal apology or statement on the matter. However, internal sources suggest the network is “reviewing viewer feedback.” As of Thursday morning, the clip continues to circulate widely online, racking up millions of views across X, TikTok, and YouTube, with most users expressing varying degrees of incredulity.
The Weight of Words in an Age of Virality
The incident highlights the challenges that traditional news outlets face as they attempt to bridge generational and cultural gaps. Anchors today are expected to be both authoritative and relatable, informative yet conversational. The tightrope act between gravitas and informality often invites moments where things can go spectacularly wrong.“This is what happens when legacy news tries to cosplay TikTok,” one user commented. Another added, “If you wouldn’t say it in a church, maybe don’t say it during coverage of the conclave.”The Vatican has not commented on the incident, nor is it likely to. The Holy See tends to remain silent on Western media mishaps, particularly when they come from outside Catholic circles. But among Catholics and those familiar with the sacredness of the papal election, the reaction has ranged from bemusement to offence.
The Conclave Continues
Meanwhile, the conclave itself is proceeding in strict adherence to tradition. Cardinals from across the world are secluded inside the Vatican’s Apostolic Palace, voting in secrecy under Michelangelo’s frescoed ceiling. When a new pope is chosen, white smoke will rise from the Sistine Chapel chimney, signalling to the world that a successor to Pope Francis has been elected.Until then, journalists covering the event would do well to choose their words with care. While modern idioms may seem catchy or relatable in other contexts, applying them to one of the most sacred and time-honoured processes in religious history is a misstep that even the most seasoned anchors might live to regret.
