Do your best by others, because we're all human

I'M not a Catholic, nor a regular observant at any church, but like a billion others, I shall miss Pope Francis.

- Hilton Dawson

These are wretched times, with some old certainties, long taken for granted, being stood on their head.

It's been vital and inspiring to witness the leadership of someone so constant, with such an unerring commitment to humanity.

'Unconditional positive regard' is what I've been taught to call it. The key value of social work and much else, just trying to do your best by other human beings, just because we're all human beings.

Setting aside all judgement about individuals, without worrying about whether they might be 'deserving' - or not.

Nothing in this is naïve. On the contrary, this fundamental approach to being in a world of people helps separate behaviour from the fundamental worth of human beings.

People can change their behaviour, so we can challenge them to do so, rather than presuming to make a judgement of their individual value.

When everyone is valued, we can hold everyone who seeks or wields power to account. We can call out evil behaviour wherever it raises its head.

No group of people is less than others, or the source of our problems.

People are people, just the same the world over, no better or worse and everybody needs food, a home, some money to live on, healthcare, education and a chance to get on. To become the person they aspire to be, to each make the most of our little lives.

Even the pain in my knees reminds me that some of this is becoming more difficult, for all of us.