When the Adamson case became public, Carlson defended his earlier actions, stating, "My job was to investigate and report back to the archbishop what I found out, and that's exactly what I did.

Carlson served as chairman of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) Committee on Vocations from 1992 to 1994, and of the Subcommittee on Youth from 1993 to 1996.

[5] While serving in Sioux Falls, Carlson offered to allow South Dakota's attorney general to inspect the diocese's files as part of his effort to demonstrate his open approach to sexual abuse accusations against priests.

[7] He has undergone a total of seven cancer-related procedures, and partly credited a trip to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima in Portugal for his recovery.

[6] During his tenure in Saginaw, Carlson focused on priestly vocations, Catholic schools, service to the poor, stewardship, and evangelization.

[13] Soon after Carlson's arrival, the pastor of a St. Louis parish was arrested and suspended from priestly duties for alleged sexual improprieties with minors.

[19] Pope Francis accepted Carlson's resignation as archbishop of St. Louis on June 10, 2020, and named Bishop Mitchell T. Rozanski as his successor.

[21][22] His appointment follows a pattern observed by John L. Allen Jr., of Benedict XVI choosing prelates "who are basically conservative in both their politics and their theology, but also upbeat, pastoral figures given to dialogue.

Regarding withholding communion to Catholic politicians who support abortion for women, and who persist in doing so even after consultation with their bishop, Carlson stated in 2010 that he has stressed the need for personal dialogue with them.

However, he also affirmed the validity of denying communion to such politician as he said that "If I were to enter into dialogue with somebody, and after they reflect on the discussion and that person persisted, it could come to that point.

Carlson called the proposition a "smokescreen" designed to "provide cover for pro-abortion senators and President Clinton, who wanted to avoid a veto confrontation."

"[25] In 2003, Carlson privately urged Daschle to no longer identify himself as a Catholic because of his support for abortion rights for women.

"[26][27] During the 2008 U.S. presidential election, Carlson stated, "A Catholic can, in good conscience, vote for a pro-choice candidate only if other issues outweigh this one in number and in kind.

"[1] The day following President Barack Obama's victory, he said, "This election has shown that any child who is born in America has the opportunity to ascend to the highest political office in the land.

"[28] On May 15, 2009, Carlson expressed his disappointment over the University of Notre Dame's decision to invite Obama to deliver its commencement speech and receive an honorary degree.