Vatican denies appeal of closed Mass. parish

BOSTON (AP) -- The Vatican has rejected an appeal by parishioners who've occupied a Scituate church in protest since the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Boston closed it eight years ago.

The decision announced Monday by the archdiocese is a blow to a protest that was, by far, the strongest remaining of several that broke out after widespread church closings were announced in 2004.

In a ruling by its Congregation for the Clergy, the Vatican upheld Cardinal Sean O'Malley's decision to convert the Scituate church building to secular use -- a step necessary before sale.

In other dioceses, including in Springfield and Allentown, Pa., the Vatican has refused to let dioceses close church buildings.

Jon Rogers, leader of the round-the-clock vigil in Scituate, said the decision was unjust, and parishioners will appeal to the Vatican's high court.