Merepeka Raukawa-Tait: Pope must challenge powerful

I did make the sign of the cross this week when Pope Francis appeared on TV and gave his first blessing an hour after being elected by the conclave of Catholic cardinals.

I don't know if the blessing travelled through the stratosphere and airwaves to include and envelop me here in New Zealand. I hope so, we can all do with a blessing once in a while, and I can't see why it couldn't happen. God can do anything.

Being pope has no upper age limit. Getting the top job at 76 means you'll be there for life. The Catholic Church couldn't take another pope choosing to resign.

That would be unthinkable and possibly the start of the end. You can't be God's representative on Earth and then decide you're no longer up for the job. And what a job. Honestly who would want it? Only someone who loved the church, God's teachings and God's followers. The shoes of the fisherman must be huge shoes to fill.

The Catholic Church has not always enjoyed the best of reputations. The last 100 years have seen dissension, disagreement and scandal. It's probably more correct to say there's nothing wrong with the church, it's those in the leadership positions who have brought it into disrepute.

Not doing enough to stop the extermination of Jews in Europe during World War II. Turning a blind eye to the accusations of financial corruption and fraud even within the Vatican itself. Lack of enthusiasm for addressing sexual offending against young children by priests in many parts of the world.

The church's thinking has also remained largely unchanged on many contemporary issues much to the chagrin and disappointment of some of its more liberal members. Yet through all this the church has managed to maintain a membership of 1.2 billion people worldwide. I was one once.

I am amazed how often I meet people who "once were Catholics". You never ask why they left the church. There will be umpteen reasons why just as there are umpteen people. But millions have remained true to their Catholic faith. They believe and attempt to live their lives according to its doctrine.

I hope Pope Francis will make a difference. He could start by challenging world leaders to do all they can to rid the world of poverty. And ask that they do it within his lifetime.

By all accounts developed countries can provide enough food for the whole world. Ask world leaders to direct their efforts and resources into helping poorer countries develop their own food baskets. Get these leaders to take action to end the suffering of the world's poorest children.

It won't be easy because today's crop of world leaders are driven by the "what's in it for us" thinking that characterises leaders of the developed world. If you don't have oil, water or other natural resources that can be sold or traded you are of no particular value. Go ahead and starve.

The Pope could spend the rest of his life doing nothing else but talking about inspiring leadership the world needs now to bring about peace and understanding between nations.

This is no time to listen to those who continue to insist that Church and State shouldn't meddle in each other's affairs. The church will only be accused of meddling when it starts to make waves. When those in the power seats start to shift uncomfortably the Pope will know he's on the right track.

The Bible tells its followers to speak out when they see injustice, and poor and corrupt leadership. The Catholic Church has attempted to address many of its own internal problems. It still has some way to go but that shouldn't prevent Pope Francis from showing the world, right from day one, the kind of Pope he intends to be.

One who will confront the indifference of world leaders to the suffering of the poor, dispossessed and unwanted.

He has a following of 1.2 billion people around the world that can raise their voices in support of this daring goal.