As the Catholic College of Cardinals prepare to merge on the Vatican to elect their next pope, eyes from around the world have centered on the continent of Africa.

Much of the focus is due to speculation that the next pope could potentially be from Africa. But there is another reason why as well.

Catholics are on the rise in Africa.

According to Charles O. Prejean, Sr., director of the Office for Black Catholic Ministry in the Atlanta Archdioceses, there has been considerable growth in the number of Catholic converts in countries throughout Africa.

Prejean, who does not consider himself an authority on Africa, shared the thoughts and opinions of two African priest colleagues: Father Henry Atem of Cameroon and Father John Paul Ezeonyido of Nigeria