A CBS News anchor gained widespread attention on social media on Wednesday, May 7, after using unexpected slang during the network’s coverage of the papal conclave in Vatican City. The story took a significant turn on Thursday, May 8, when American Cardinal Robert Prevost was elected as the new pope.
During a live broadcast on May 7, CBS Mornings co-anchor Tony Dokoupil described the cardinals at the conclave as “raw-dogging it” because their electronic devices were confiscated during the proceedings.
This occurred as Vatican contributor John Allen was explaining the selection process for a new pope after Pope Francis’s death on April 21 at the age of 88. Allen detailed the ritualistic nature of the voting process inside the Sistine Chapel.
Allen explained that most members would say that during the voting process, they are typically occupied with reading their breviary—a book of prayers used by clergy—or praying the rosary. He noted that one thing they’re certainly not doing is checking Instagram, as their devices have all been confiscated.
Dokoupil then interjected with the comment that quickly went viral: “I believe the kids call it raw-dogging it if you’re gonna go through a long period of time with no electronic device.”
The American Dialect Society defines “rawdog” as undertaking something without usual protection, preparation, or comfort. Initially, it was crude slang for unprotected intercourse, but it now describes experiencing activities without modern comforts, popularized on social media platforms like TikTok.
The panel of journalists, including Vatican analyst Delia Gallagher and co-anchors Norah O’Donnell, Maurice DuBois, Seth Doane, and Chris Livesay, reacted with laughter at Dokoupil’s remark. Gallagher attempted to redirect the discussion, noting the youngest cardinal is 44, so time away from screens should not be too challenging.
“They’re of a certain age, so they might be used to it,” she said.
Clips of the exchange circulated on social media, drawing millions of views and various reactions. Some considered the comment inappropriate given the conclave’s solemn context, while others found the mix of internet slang and Vatican coverage amusing.
The unexpected moment contrasted with the historic events that followed. On Thursday, May 8, white smoke emerged from the Sistine Chapel chimney at 6:07 p.m. local time, indicating the 133 cardinal-electors had chosen a new pope after two days of deliberations.
Cardinal Robert Prevost, a 69-year-old American, was elected as the 267th pope, taking the name Leo XIV. He becomes the first American pontiff in the Catholic Church’s 2,000-year history.
Prevost, born in Chicago, Illinois, was the head of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Bishops, overseeing global bishop selections. The late Pope Francis appointed him to this role in 2023 after his missionary work in Peru.
The election occurred on the conclave’s second day, which started on Wednesday with 133 cardinal-electors, the largest in Church history. For the first time, non-European cardinals outnumbered European ones, with over 20 from Asia and 18 from Africa participating.
The appearance of white smoke led to cheers in St. Peter’s Square as bells rang from the basilica.
Pope Leo XIV appeared on St. Peter’s Basilica’s balcony shortly after his election was announced by Cardinal Dominique Mamberti with “Habemus Papam” (“We have a pope”).
The election of an American pope signifies a major shift for the Catholic Church, traditionally led by Europeans or recently by Latin Americans. Prevost’s election reflects the changing demographics of the global Catholic population, growing outside Europe.
Meanwhile, Dokoupil’s viral moment during the conclave coverage adds to his list of awkward on-air exchanges. Earlier, he had a widely discussed interview with football coach Bill Belichick and his younger girlfriend Jordon Hudson, which became uncomfortable when Hudson refused to discuss how they met. In another incident, Dokoupil experienced an awkward exchange with actor Jason Isaacs, who became irritated when asked about prosthetics in a nude scene.
