The Dalai Lama, in a video message released on May 21 by his office, reiterated that his spiritual lineage would continue.

The choice of a successor to the Dalai Lama, the spiritual head of Tibetan Buddhists, is a matter of major interest not only for millions of followers of his religion, but also for China, India, and the United States,

The announcement comes after speculation around whether the Dalai Lama might be the last person to hold his role—one that remains a symbol of Tibetan identity.