- 18 January, 2026
Vatican City, January 18, 2026: Pope Leo XIV sent a telegram of condolences that was read out at the funeral of Angelo Gugel, a long-serving Papal Chamber Assistant remembered for his “exemplary Christian witness” and generous service to the Vatican.
In his message, the Pope expressed his closeness to Mr. Gugel’s wife and children, recalling his upright life and faithful service, first in the Vatican Gendarmerie and later in the Governorate. Pope Leo also highlighted Mr. Gugel’s nearly thirty years of work in the papal apartment, where he carried out his duties with discretion and dedication, serving three Popes with daily commitment.
The Pope concluded by praying for the soul of “so generous a disciple of Christ” and imparted the Apostolic Blessing to all who mourn his passing.
The funeral Mass was celebrated by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State, and was attended by several senior Church leaders, including Cardinal Konrad Krajewski, Papal Almoner; Cardinal James Michael Harvey, Archpriest of the Papal Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls; Cardinal Beniamino Stella, Prefect Emeritus of the Congregation for the Clergy; Archbishop Edgar Peña Parra, Substitute for General Affairs of the Secretariat of State; and Archbishop Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations.
In his homily, Cardinal Parolin described Angelo Gugel as “a good man, a most beloved husband, an exemplary father, gentle, discreet, and just.” He recalled the clarity of his eyes and the brightness of his smile, signs of a deep inner faith shaped by humble origins and marked by a trust in God that was “solid as a rock”.
Reflecting on Mr. Gugel’s long service, the Cardinal said he liked to imagine that the person who welcomed him into heaven was Saint John Paul II himself, at whose side Mr. Gugel served faithfully and unobtrusively for many years. He underlined Mr. Gugel’s ability to entrust himself to God and to place himself at the service of others.
Cardinal Parolin also referred to the final months of Mr. Gugel’s illness, noting the serenity and strength of spirit he displayed. His suffering, he said, became a quiet but powerful witness that hardship and illness, when lived with the Lord, can be transformed into testimony.
Cardinal Stanisław Dziwisz, Archbishop Emeritus of Kraków and former secretary to Saint John Paul II, offered a brief greeting to the family, describing Mr. Gugel as a “wise and faithful servant”, marked by dedication, discretion, and evangelical prudence. He thanked God for his loyal service to the Church and her Pontiffs.
At the conclusion of the funeral rites, Mr. Gugel’s coffin was taken to Miane, in the Italian province of Treviso, where he was born. A memorial Mass will be celebrated there on Monday, 19 January, after which he will be laid to rest in the town cemetery.
Courtesy: Vatican News
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