Valet to Three Popes Dies at 90
Appointed in 1978 by John Paul I, the “33-day pope,” Gugel went on to serve John Paul II throughout his nearly 27-year pontificate. He retired at the beginning of the papacy of Benedict XVI, at the age of 70.
Known for his immaculate appearance, he preserved strict discretion even after retirement.
From the Gendarmerie to the Papal Household
Born on 27 April 1935 in Miane, in Italy’s Veneto region, Gugel joined the Vatican Gendarmerie at the age of 20.
After a serious bout of tuberculosis, he was transferred to the administration of the Vatican City State. Albino Luciani, his former bishop in Vittorio Veneto and a family acquaintance, personally chose him as valet after being elected pope.
When John Paul I died unexpectedly on 28 September 1978, Gugel was among the few people present in the papal bedroom.
At the Pope’s Side Around the World
Gugel accompanied John Paul II on journeys to five continents and also shared rare moments of rest during papal holidays in Cadore and the Aosta Valley.
He later recalled exchanging his formal dark suit for sweaters and hiking trousers during those brief breaks.
In a 2018 interview with Corriere della Sera, Gugel revealed that John Paul II asked him for linguistic help.
On the morning of 22 October 1978, before the inauguration of his pontificate, the Pope read his homily aloud and asked Gugel to mark incorrect accents in pencil.
He later joked that any misplaced stress in his speech was “50 percent Angelo’s fault.”
Family and Funeral
Married since 1964 to Maria Luisa Dall’Arche, Gugel was the father of four children: Rafaella, Flaviana, Guido, and Carla.
Gugel’s funeral will be held at his parish church, Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie at Porta Cavalleggeri, near the Vatican.
Picture: Vatican Media, #newsThcuhtcvtr