Joseph Gregory Vath (March 12, 1918 – July 14, 1987) was an American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church.

He was ordained to the priesthood for the Archdiocese of New Orleans by Archbishop Joseph Francis Rummel on June 7, 1941.

[1] Vath was appointed Bishop of Birmingham in Alabama, on September 29, 1969, by Paul VI.

He stated that "if we are convinced that abortion is the taking of innocent life according to God’s revealed word, [Markley] is not acting unjustly according to God’s Law in defending the innocent unborn one...

"[2] Joseph Vath died in Birmingham, Alabama, on July 14, 1987, at age 69.