The latest “60 Minutes” segment has drawn a sharp response after featuring three prominent American cardinals weighing in on political flashpoints, including the war with Iran and President Donald Trump’s immigration policies. What aired as a discussion on moral authority and global conflict has since turned into a dispute over editorial choices—and what questions were left unasked.
Correspondent Norah O’Donnell sat down with Cardinals Blase Cupich of Chicago, Robert McElroy of Washington, D.C., and Joseph Tobin of Newark. Each has previously spoken on political and social issues, and in this interview, they did not soften their positions. Cupich condemned media produced by the White House at the outset of the Iran conflict, calling the use of bombing footage in edited clips “sickening” and unrepresentative of American values. McElroy stated plainly that he does not view the conflict with Iran as a “just war” under Catholic teaching.
When the Pope & these Bishops start calling out, by name, all the American Catholic politicians (like Biden) who support the killing of the unborn & the transing of kids, maybe their political opinions would carry more weight.
— Howell Scott (@RealLaw2Grace) April 13, 2026
Immigration became a central focus of the conversation. While McElroy acknowledged that border issues had escalated under the Biden administration, he criticized what he described as broad enforcement actions under Trump, characterizing them as sweeping and harmful to long-settled families. Tobin echoed concerns about the human impact of enforcement tactics, while Cupich questioned whether voters fully understood the scope of policies being implemented.
The segment quickly sparked criticism from media watchdogs and political commentators who argued the program presented a narrow ideological slice of the Catholic hierarchy. Critics pointed out that the interview did not address areas where Catholic doctrine conflicts with Democratic Party positions, particularly abortion. Tim Graham of the Media Research Center argued that religious voices are often highlighted in mainstream coverage only when they align with progressive viewpoints, while dissenting perspectives receive less attention.
No questions to the bishops about their feelings about ‘Catholic’ Biden abortion actions? Curious. Or Conscious avoidance?
— Sal Saverio (@Lucys_Daddy) April 13, 2026
Others suggested alternative voices could have broadened the discussion. Bishop Robert Barron was cited by critics as an example of a Catholic leader who might have introduced different emphasis, though his perceived political associations were also noted as a potential reason for his absence.
The reaction extended beyond media analysis into political territory. Following the broadcast, Trump publicly criticized Pope Leo XIV, accusing him of weak positions on crime and foreign policy. He also urged attention to Iran’s internal actions against protesters. The exchange added a sharper edge to what had begun as a televised discussion, though the pope himself moved to tamp down the tension, stating he had no interest in engaging in a political dispute and emphasizing his focus on broader messages of peace and justice.
So 60 Minutes found three radical priests who would give them the information they want? Did I miss where 60 Minutes press Joe Biden on his abortion stance and catholic faith?
— Rock Flag and Eagle 🇺🇸 🇹🇼🇮🇱🟦 (@BballMichael) April 13, 2026
Within Catholic circles, the three cardinals featured are recognized figures but do not hold elected leadership roles within the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, a point some critics raised to question how representative their views are of the wider church hierarchy.
CBS has not publicly responded to the criticism surrounding the segment.
