Pope Francis says suffering, persecution and martyrdom is a sign we are walking in the footsteps of the Lord.

Today the Pope spoke to his General Audience about martyrdom resurfacing in today’s world climate. Using the example of Paul in chains, he shared the importance of following God with faith no matter the circumstances.

The Pope says martyrdom “is the air of the life of a Christian, of a Christian community.”

Christians have been facing persecution since the early days, but martyrdom has recently increased. World Watch Monitor says approximately 90,000 Christians were martyred in 2017 alone.

The bravery to follow Jesus without fear of consequences has been a topic impacting Christians today. There are Christians in Ukraine, India and other countries who are currently experiencing persecution for their beliefs.

Read more: 5 Christians wrongly imprisoned for over a decade released in India

“There will always be martyrs among us: this is the sign that we are on the path of Jesus," the Pope says.