60 Minutes CBS “Pope Leo’s Church, Risk on the Road, What Happened to the Great White Sharks?” April 12 2026
CBS’s 60 Minutes returns Sunday, April 12, 2026, with a compelling three-part broadcast airing from 7:00 to 8:00 PM ET/PT following the Masters. This week’s episode spans global religion, public safety, and environmental mystery, with reporting from Norah O’Donnell, Bill Whitaker, and Anderson Cooper. Each segment takes a closer look at complex issues shaping the world today, from the evolving role of the Catholic Church under a new pope to dangers on American highways and a puzzling disappearance of one of the ocean’s most iconic predators.
Pope Leo’s Church
Nearly one year after the historic election of Chicago-born Pope Leo XIV, 60 Minutes explores how his leadership is reshaping the Catholic Church’s voice on global and domestic issues. Norah O’Donnell sits down with three prominent American cardinals in their first joint interview to discuss the pope’s influence and direction. Cardinal Blase Cupich of Chicago, Cardinal Robert McElroy of Washington, D.C., and Cardinal Joseph Tobin of Newark offer insight into how Pope Leo has positioned the Church as a moral counterpoint to the war with Iran and the tightening of immigration policies in the United States.
The conversation reflects a broader shift within the Church, as Pope Leo continues the work of his predecessor, Pope Francis, while also carving out his own identity. The cardinals describe a renewed focus on humanitarian concerns and a willingness to speak out on controversial issues. Their perspectives highlight both the opportunities and challenges facing the Church as it navigates an increasingly divided global landscape.
O’Donnell also travels to Castel Gandolfo in Italy, the historic papal summer retreat that dates back more than four centuries. Under Pope Leo’s leadership, the property is being opened to the public in new ways, with a focus on supporting migrants and those in need. The transformation of this symbolic site reflects the pope’s broader mission to make the Church more accessible and engaged with the world beyond its traditional boundaries.
Risk on the Road
In a hard-hitting investigation, 60 Minutes turns its attention to a growing threat on American highways: so-called “chameleon carriers.” These commercial trucking operations are known for evading federal regulations by shutting down and reappearing under new identities, often continuing unsafe practices while avoiding accountability. Bill Whitaker reports on how these networks are contributing to a rise in dangerous conditions on the road.
The segment focuses on a company network known as Super Ego, which is currently under federal investigation and has been named in a class action lawsuit. According to the report, these types of carriers are significantly more likely to be involved in severe crashes, raising serious concerns about oversight and enforcement. Whitaker examines how gaps in the regulatory system allow these companies to operate despite repeated safety violations.
Through interviews and case examples, the investigation sheds light on the real-world impact of these practices, including the risks faced by everyday drivers. The report also raises questions about the role of federal agencies and whether current measures are sufficient to address the problem. As the trucking industry continues to expand, the issue of safety remains a pressing concern with potentially life-threatening consequences.
What Happened to the Great White Sharks?
The final segment takes viewers to the waters off Cape Town, South Africa, once known as a prime location for observing great white sharks. Over the past decade, however, sightings have declined dramatically, coinciding with a disturbing trend: sharks washing ashore with their livers removed. Anderson Cooper investigates this unusual phenomenon, which has sparked intense debate among scientists and conservationists.
At the center of the mystery is the question of what is responsible for these deaths. Some researchers point to natural predators, while others suggest human involvement or environmental changes. The lack of consensus has created divisions within the scientific community, complicating efforts to understand and address the issue.
Cooper’s report explores the broader implications of the sharks’ disappearance, including the impact on local ecosystems and tourism. Great white sharks play a critical role in maintaining marine balance, and their sudden decline raises concerns about the health of the ocean environment. As the investigation unfolds, the segment highlights the challenges of solving a mystery where the answers remain elusive and the stakes are high.
