In an exclusive interview with the Daily Tribune, Father Tajonera — known as “Father Joy” — shared a short but meaningful reflection about the Pope.

When asked if there was any lesson he learned from the late Pope, Fr. Joy said, “Humility. Look after those who are the outsiders, in the peripheries…the homeless, migrants, refugees, foreigners, women, children, seniors, divorced people, gay, prisoners. Be Kind, be Merciful, work for peace, take care of the environment.”

Reflecting on whether Pope Francis’ changed how people view the papacy, Fr. Joy responded, “Yes. The Pope is not in the pedestal. But he is one who walks among us, listens to us, is with us — a people’s pope.” He also shared how the Pope had personally influenced his vocation, saying, “In a big way, migrants and refugees are his priorities.”

When asked how the faithful should remember and honor Pope Francis in their prayers, Fr. Joy emphasized, “In love with Jesus, To serve Jesus, to follow Jesus,” and added, “Pray for peace, pray for openness, pray that we remain humble, simple.”

He concluded with a strong message for everyone, “Be more inclusive, not exclusive. Not to be self-referential but missionary. Ecology is for all of us to be our priority.”

Today, the world is whispering prayers rather than raising cheers as Pope Francis, the adored leader of the Catholic Church, is laid to rest in a solemn ceremony at St. Peter’s Basilica. Pope Francis, known as the “People’s Pope,” died at 88, leaving a legacy of humility, charity and profound love.

From the moment he chose his papal name in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, he demonstrated an extraordinary love echoing Jesus Christ’s example.

Elected by his fellow cardinals in 2013 as the 266th successor of St. Peter, Pope Francis led Catholic Church with simplicity and humility, shunning the trappings of power that often accompanied the papacy.

Until his last breath on Easter Monday, he remained true to his calling – a servant of the people.

Cardinals and the faithful have the opportunity to pay their last respects to Pope Francis during the three days that it lies in state at St. Peter’s Basilica, as is tradition. To honor the late Pope, thousands of mourners have gathered in St. Peter’s Square and patiently waited in long lines. 

His remains were moved to the Altar of the Confessio, which is close to St. Peter’s tomb, from the Casa Santa Marta, the Vatican guesthouse where he modestly chose to reside rather than the Apostolic Palace.

Pope Francis’ desire to streamline papal ceremonies is reflected in the fact that his body is interred in an open wooden casket rather than the three coffins made of oak, lead and cypress that have been used for centuries. The camerlengo, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, presided over the private ceremony of shutting Pope Francis casket on the evening of 25 April, according to Vatican News. In front of cardinals from the Roman Curia, Pope Francis’ secretaries and certain family members, Archbishop Diego Giovanni Ravelli draped Pope Francis’ face with a white silk veil during the solemn ceremony.