CBS anchor goes viral for "rawdogging" comment during papal conclave coverage

Tony Dokoupil described cardinals without phones during the papal conclave as "rawdogging it" on CBS Mornings.

During a live broadcast of CBS Mornings on Wednesday, anchor Tony Dokoupil used the term “rawdogging” to describe the experience of Catholic cardinals attending the 2025 papal conclave without access to their electronic devices.

The cardinals, who entered the Sistine Chapel earlier that day in Vatican City, are observing strict protocols as they vote in seclusion to elect the next Pope.

CBS contributor John Allen was explaining the customs of the conclave, including the ban on mobile phones and other digital devices. He noted that cardinals typically spend their time in prayer, either reading the breviary or using the rosary.

Allen said, “The one thing we know they’re not doing is checking Instagram because their devices have all been confiscated.”

In response, Dokoupil said, “I believe the kids call it ‘rawdogging it,’” referring to the act of enduring a period without electronic devices. The term, often associated with a different context, was used by Dokoupil to comment on the digital disconnection imposed during the sacred proceedings.

“Rawdogging” is one way to describe Conclave!! pic.twitter.com/ikKG5CwDg8

— Old Row (@OldRowOfficial) May 8, 2025

The moment occurred as part of a panel discussion that included Vatican analyst Delia Gallagher and co-hosts Norah O’Donnell, Maurice DuBois, Seth Doane, and Chris Livesay. Following the comment, Gallagher noted that the cardinals, the youngest of whom is 44, may not be especially troubled by the lack of digital access. She said, “They’re of a certain age, so they might be used to it.”

The conclave officially began on May 7 after the Pro Eligendo Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica. It marks the process by which 133 cardinal-electors cast ballots in private to choose the 267th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church. 

As of Wednesday, black smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel, signalling no pope has yet been elected.

Dokoupil’s comment follows previous headlines involving his on-air interviews, including a moment earlier this year when he questioned former New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick about the age gap in his relationship with 24-year-old Jordon Hudson.