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Al Jazeera
Al Jazeera
Lifestyle

Dalai Lama confirms he will have a successor after his death

Dalai Lama China Anushree Fadnavis Al Jazeera Tibet
Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama addresses via a video message at the inaugural session at the 15th Tibetan Religious Conference at the Dalai Lama Library and Archive near Tsuglagkhang, also known as Dalai Lama's Temple complex, in the northern hill town of Dharamshala, India, July 2, 2025 [Anushree Fadnavis/Reuters]

The Dalai Lama has confirmed that he will have a successor chosen in accordance with “past tradition”, ending years of speculation about the centuries-old office.

In a video message on Wednesday, just days before his 90th birthday, the Tibetan spiritual leader said the Gaden Phodrang Foundation, which he established to preserve the institution, will have the power to recognise his future reincarnation.

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