How do religions choose their leaders? What to know as Catholics prepare for next pope

LOS ANGELES - As Catholic leaders prepare to elect a new pope, interest is growing in how spiritual leaders are selected across other major world religions. While the Vatican follows centuries-old procedures during a papal conclave, other traditions—from Tibetan Buddhism to the Amish—rely on drastically different processes, often rooted in sacred texts, cultural customs, or divine guidance.

The Catholic conclave this week, involving 133 voting cardinals under age 80, marks the most geographically diverse gathering in church history, according to the Associated Press. A two-thirds majority, or 89 votes, is required to elect the next pope.

Catholicism’s conclave: Locked doors, white smoke, and global impact

The backstory:

The Roman Catholic Church’s leader is selected by the College of Cardinals in a conclave ("with a key"), held in the Sistine Chapel. Only cardinals under 80 years old are eligible to vote—133 this year, with over 80% appointed by Pope Francis himself.

A two-thirds majority (currently 89 votes) is required. Cardinals are sequestered during the vote, with all communications shut off. The results are revealed by smoke: black for no decision, white for "Habemus Papam"—"We have a pope."

The rules are laid out in Pope John Paul II’s 1996 apostolic constitution Universi Dominici Gregis, with updates from Popes Benedict XVI and Francis. The tradition’s secrecy stems from centuries of political interference when popes ruled parts of Italy. Today, it’s a spiritual decision with global ramifications.

Buddhism: Rebirth and the next Dalai Lama

Dig deeper:

Tibetan Buddhists believe spiritual leaders like the Dalai Lama are reincarnations of the same enlightened being. After the death of the current Dalai Lama—who turns 90 in July—monks will search for signs of his rebirth.

The Dalai Lama has previously warned that any successor chosen by China would be "illegitimate," saying, "The new Dalai Lama will be born in the free world." His office, the Gaden Phodrang Trust, oversees the identification process, which may involve visions, omens, and tests given to young children who show signs of being the reborn Lama.

Eastern Orthodoxy: Election by synod—and rising geopolitical tensions

The Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, the symbolic leader of 200 million Orthodox Christians, is chosen by the Holy Synod—bishops from within the church. By Turkish law, the patriarch must be a Turkish citizen, though most candidates come from a shrinking Greek minority in Istanbul.

Succession has grown more complex due to political interference and the closure of the Orthodox seminary in Halki. Archbishop Elpidophoros of America is widely seen as a top candidate, but Turkish nationalists have called for stripping his citizenship.

The Russian Orthodox Church, Orthodoxy’s largest branch, is currently in schism with the Patriarchate of Constantinople, following disagreements over Ukrainian church independence.

Judaism: Authority through community, councils, and dynasties

Judaism does not have a single global leader, but rather distinct branches with their own systems of authority.

• Orthodox Judaism often looks to influential rabbis or poseks (legal scholars) whose authority stems from scholarship and rabbinic lineage. In Hasidic communities, leadership is passed dynastically through rebbes.
• Conservative and Reform Judaism rely on rabbinical assemblies and voting bodies. For example, the president of the Central Conference of American Rabbis is elected by members.
• In Israel, the Chief Rabbinate includes two chief rabbis (one Ashkenazi, one Sephardic) appointed by a special committee with government involvement.

There is no central figure akin to a pope, but chief rabbis often serve as national or regional authorities.

Islam: No single leader, but many forms of authority

Islam has no equivalent of a pope. Sunni Muslims rely on scholars, jurists, and local imams, with leadership sometimes inherited (as in royal families) or chosen by councils. Prestigious roles—like the Grand Mufti of Egypt or the Imam of Mecca—are typically appointed by governments.

For Shi’a Muslims, leadership often centers on maraji—senior religious scholars like Iran’s Supreme Leader, who is selected by the Assembly of Experts. In smaller Shi’a sects, such as the Ismailis, hereditary leadership remains common—Prince Karim Aga Khan IV is the current Imam of the Nizari Ismailis.

The decentralized nature of Islam’s leadership makes succession less formal, but often more politically charged.

Anglicanism: The king appoints, but not really

The Archbishop of Canterbury, spiritual head of the Church of England and the 85-million-member Anglican Communion, is officially appointed by the King of England. In practice, the selection is led by the Crown Nominations Commission, made up of clergy and laypeople.

After Justin Welby announced his retirement, Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s office became involved in the recommendation process. The final pick is ultimately approved by the monarch, but only after Church and political bodies reach consensus.

Disagreements over LGBTQ+ issues have caused global rifts, with some Anglican churches in Africa refusing to recognize England’s leadership.

What's next:

Here’s what to look out for in the months ahead as major faith traditions navigate leadership transitions, cultural tensions, and questions of global unity.

• The Vatican conclave begins May 7.
• The Dalai Lama may speak about his succession on his 90th birthday in July.
• The Anglican Church is still assembling its nominating committee—no new Archbishop of Canterbury is expected until 2026.
• Eastern Orthodoxy faces continued strain amid Turkish political influence and its schism with Russia.

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