Predictions the next pope will be elected Wednesday

ST. CLAIR SHORES, Mich. (WXYZ) - Just as fast as the black smoke emerged, Twitter and other social media outlets lit up with the news that there was no new pope.

“I don’t think any of us expected something tonight,” said Rev. Monsignor Mike Bugarin, with St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church in St. Clair Shores.

“History tells us it’s normally about four or five votes in recent history. I’m expecting sometime tomorrow after another four votes,” said Monsignor Bugarin.

If not Wednesday, then he thinks Thursday. Monsignor Bugarin said there is no real front runner, but he believes there is a good possibility Catholics could see their first black pope.

“Ultimately, you look at where the significant growth of the church is. It is in Africa. It is in Latin America. So there is a great possibility we would see someone from one of those continents,” said Monsignor Bugarin.

Monsignor Bugarin said the cardinals will likely elect a pope who can travel and handle things like social media and the technology of today.

“New Evangelization. That’s the buzz word in the Catholic Church. How do we bring the gospel message to people? There are so many ways of doing that today, and I think they are looking for someone  who can be that proper pastor,” said Monsignor Bugarin.