Chicago, (Sept. 19, 2023) – Pope Francis today announced he has accepted the resignations of Archdiocese of Chicago Auxiliary Bishops, Joseph N. Perry and Andrew P. Wypych. Perry is 75, the age at which canon law requires bishops to submit their resignation to the pope. Wypych, 68, has resigned for health reasons.

“We are blessed to have had the service of Bishops Perry and Wypych for so many years. They have made significant contributions to the life of the Church both as priests and as episcopal vicars, and I am grateful for their ministry,” said Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, archbishop of Chicago. “I am particularly pleased that Bishop Perry will continue in his pivotal role as diocesan postulator for the canonization cause of Venerable Augustus Tolton.”

Cardinal Cupich has announced that Bishop Kevin M. Birmingham, formerly episcopal vicar of Vicariate IV, will replace Perry as episcopal vicar of Vicariate VI. In addition, Cardinal Cupich has appointed two priests, Fr. Marek Smolka and Fr. William Corcoran as interim vicars of Vicariates IV and V, respectively.

Smolka, a native of Poland, has served as associate pastor of St. Francis Borgia Parish and Holy Name Cathedral, both in Chicago. He is now pastor at St. Francis Borgia Parish, dean of Deanery IV-D and coordinator of the Polish Ministry Council.

Corcoran, a native of Evergreen Park, has served as associate pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Palos Hills and St. John Fisher Parish in Chicago. He was pastor at St. Linus Parish in Oak Lawn and is currently pastor of St. Elizabeth Seton Parish in Orland Hills and dean of Deanery V-E. He has been a faculty member at Quigley Preparatory Seminary South Niles College and Archbishop Quigley Preparatory Seminary.