Vatican rejects appeals by 10 closed Boston-area churches, including 3 in vigil for years

Vatican rejects appeals by closed Boston churches

BOSTON — The leader of an advocacy group for Roman Catholic parishes says the Vatican has rejected final appeals by 10 parishes that were closed by the Archdiocese of Boston.

Three of the 10 churches have had sit-ins going on round-the-clock for more than five years.

Peter Borre, co-chairman of the Council of Parishes, said Monday that the “highest level of the Vatican” rejected all 10 appeals.

The archdiocese announced the closings in 2004, citing falling attendance, a priest shortage and financial problems. The first vigil started that year at a church where parishioners refused to leave after what was supposed to be the final Mass.