Across
1
Pope likes teasing liberals with special ability to work with others (6,6)
9
Stream runs through reserve (5)
10
Was troubled to catch Catholic taken in by belief that’s above criticism (6,3)
11
Not as old as singer-songwriter getting on in retirement (7)
12
Number 10 blocking artificial intelligence, yet developing tension (7)
13
Will the writer in EU lie about Germany coming first to power? (6,4)
15
Pin-up or pin down? (4)
18
Heads of ambitious private schools excel in recess (4)
19
Ant shelter converted into hives (6,4)
22
Small drinks mask holy man’s burdens (7)
24
Very angry extremists wearing jewellery (7)
25
With lace, nothing holds a fastener (5-4)
26
Quicksilver mostly lies all over the place? (5)
27
Mark’s intense struggle with scientist playing God (12)
Down
1
They make doctor drop fake cures (9)
2
Moth in tree, for example, travelling both ways, right? (3,5)
3
It makes light from sun tangible, reflected around (5)
4
Working man reacts to ceremony (9)
5
Climber’s companion putting cold water on fire (3,3)
6
Temptation to snort cocaine for money (5)
7
Followed order to surrender, preserving the odds (6)
8
Rocked in leather, say (6)
14
Heading to Fiji concerning foreign escape where there’s no waves (4-5)
16
Deportation when former partner ignored custom (9)
17
Group saving soldier on top of Everest alone (8)
18
Help musician forget Beethoven’s Overture (6)
20
Casual greeting delivered louder (6)
21
Inform one entertained by drunk uncle (4,2)
23
Club expelling 5 being extra boring (5)
24
Everything in books gives courage (5)