The Vatican is refusing to step in to keep Catholic churches from closing in Boston.

A fight to keep the 10 parishes running has been going on for more than five years.

Round-the-clock sit-ins have been held every day at three of the churches, but without a mass, a priest, or any church officials there.

The closings are blamed on falling attendance, a priest shortage, and financial problems.

"The fiscal crisis they are in is due to their mismanagement. Don't destroy churches, that's not the way to evangelize and bring people back to the church," Mary Ellen Rogers, a church supporter said.

Parishioners took their case to highest levels of the Vatican. Their only option now is to file a federal lawsuit.