After Priest's Murder by Radical Islamists: 'In the Soul, There Is Strength'

Weeks after Father Jacques Hamel was brutally murdered by Islamic radicals, the number of people attending church services in the area of his murder have increased.

"There is fear without a doubt," said Dominique Lebrun, the archbishop of Rouen, who has received numerous calls from people who wanted to know if it was still safe to attend mass. "A week ago, I met with the vicars of the diocese and everyone told me that some people phoned asking if there was mass, if they could go, if there is some risk."

Lebrun made the comments after meeting with Pope Francis earlier this week at the Vatican.

"More people are at mass," the archbishop claimed. "On a psychological level, there is fear, but on a deep level in the soul, there is strength."

At a press conference, Lebrun told reporters: "I do not think Jesus said it is stupid to be afraid, or there is no reason to be afraid," he said. "No, Jesus said: Have the courage to be afraid."

Pope Francis called Fr. Jacques Hamel "a martyr" after the priest was knifed to death on July 26 near Normandy, France, by Islamic extremists who swore allegiance to the Islamic State.

"He accepted his martyrdom there on the altar," Francis said. "He is a martyr and martyrs are beatified."

Francis went on to say that those who are "killing in the name of God are satanic." He says more people should speak out against such violence, saying they should have "the courage to tell the truth."

Two attackers stormed Hamel's church forcing the 85-year-old French priest to kneel at the alter then slit his throat while chanting "Allahu Akbar," Arabic for "god is great."

Lebrun, whose diocese includes Fr. Hamel's church, told reporters: "Jesus never said it was stupid to be afraid. When he told his disciples, 'Do not be afraid' he is telling them to acknowledge their fear and overcome it with the strength of faith."