I seem to be playing devils advocate today on WS (pun?) and not really meaning to....
I can imagine a retired priest lives and breaths his religion and possibly is just talking about what he knows. He's also a really good friend of the family so I can see him trying everything in his power to not only make his friends look good but also his religion? idk
Yours as well as PrairieW take on it is likely spot on. Retired, babbling and wanting to contribute something. I really dont believe he is being devious or playing the role of an attorney.