Benedict XVI is still a presence in the life of the Church. This is extraordinary for so many reasons.

Most Catholics assumed that he would be silent by now, either because he had retreated into Trappist silence or because, to employ a gentle euphemism, he was “no longer with us”. Instead, he is planning a final interview and in the past few days has been publicly declaring his loyalty to the Pope.

The nature of his latest comments, in effect trying to make life easier for his successor, should reassure any Catholics worried that Benedict in retirement would emerge as an “alternative pope” – and annoy ultra-traditionalists who had hoped that he would play this (non-existent) role.