PHOENIX -- A Catholic advocacy group will hold a prayer vigil for immigrants Monday night in downtown Phoenix.

"We think that the issue of immigration in the United States, and really throughout the world, is so difficult, we would like people of all points of view to come together and pray," said Tom Donovan of the group, Pax Christi.

Donovan said the vigil, outside the offices of the Catholic Diocese of Phoenix and near St. Mary's Basilica, was planned before Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon announced an attempt to revise police department policy on dealing with illegal immigrants. A panel is looking at the department's rules and is to come up with recommendations by the end of the year.

"Frankly, we're asking for God's help to lead people of good will toward a path to solve an issue, which is getting more inflamed every month," Donovan said.

He said some top officials have inquired about the event.

"Supervisor Mary Rose Wilcox called and asked about it," Donovan said. "I talked to someone from the mayor's office about it, they're certainly invited."

Donovan said his group wants a solution that is "just" for everyone, "finding a path toward justice for immigrants and along the lines of Catholic teachings."

He said the United States is not the only country with immigration issues.

"This is huge in Europe and Britain and other parts of the world, even in Mexico, with immigrants coming in from central America."

Donovan said those attending the vigil will pray that immigrants be treated with compassion, much like Moses told the Israelis to do in the Bible.

The vigil begins at 7 p.m. at Fourth Street and Monroe.