CBS Anchor's Slang Joke Sparks Conclave Backlash

CBS Mornings co-anchor Tony Dokoupil sparked controversy during live coverage of the papal conclave by joking that Catholic cardinals are 'rawdogging' the process due to their lack of electronic devices, referencing Gen-Z slang with explicit origins. The remark, made as contributors discussed the cardinals' seclusion, drew laughter from colleagues but led to immediate backlash on social media over its perceived inappropriateness for a sacred event. Though 'rawdogging' has come to mean enduring situations without modern comforts, its original meaning made the quip particularly jarring during a solemn Catholic ritual. The incident sparked renewed debate about the use of generational slang in mainstream media and the boundaries of humor in coverage of religious ceremonies. The conclave continues under strict seclusion as cardinals select a successor to Pope Francis, with global attention on both the outcome and media conduct. Calls for greater decorum in news coverage of such events have intensified amid the controversy.