On Tuesday, a higher power stepped into the ongoing fight by Buffalo churches to stay open.

The Vatican sent letters to nearly a dozen churches across Western New York, saying that it had accepted their appeals and that they can remain open for now while the appeals are under review.  “It felt like it was pretty far away, pretty far off. Those very powerful, holy people,” said Mary Pruski with Save Our Buffalo Churches. “We need your help to get the ship on the right course again.”