Pope Francis spoke against the concerning rise of anti-Semitism in Italy Wednesday, calling the movement “inhuman” and “un-Christian.”

“Here and there, there is a new rebirth of persecuting Jews. Brothers and sisters, this isn’t human or Christian,” the pope said in his general audience Wednesday, according to The Associated Press.

“Jews are our brothers. And they must not be persecuted. Understand?”

Tensions flared in Italy in recent weeks, when Auschwitz survivor and senator-for-life Liliana Segre motioned for the creation of a parliamentary committee to fight hate, racism and anti-Semitism in the country.

The 89-year-old’s request came after it became publicly known that Segre is subject to hundreds of social media attacks, the news source reports.

Italian Parliament approved the motion, without any votes from Italy’s ring-wing parties.