Pope Francis has written to the clergy of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, encouraging them toward “a prompt implementation of the uniform mode of celebrating the holy Qurbana. (The Qurbana is the Syro-Malabar divine liturgy.) The Pope said that a common liturgical celebration would enhance the unity of the Syro-Malabar Church, and help with the process of evangelization.

The Syro-Malabar Church, which traces its origins to the apostle St. Thomas, has over 4 million members, mostly centered in Kerala, India.