Bishop Richard Lennon of Cleveland said he will reopen 12 parishes as directed by the Vatican to promote "peace and unity" in the diocese.

His announcement came a month after the Vatican's Congregation for Clergy overturned the closings of the parishes in 2009 and 2010 and said the churches must be restored for worship.

Lennon said April 17 appealing the congregation's ruling to the Vatican's supreme court "would prolong the process for a number of years and would create more uncertainty and continue to divide our Catholic community."