China, the country that controls much of Tibet, said that they need to approve who becomes the next Dalai Lama. They have special rules and a way of choosing leaders that they want to use. But many Tibetans and others fear that China might pick someone they like to stay in control.

Tibetans believe that Tenzin Gyatso is the 14th Dalai Lama, and he has worked very hard for Tibet to have more freedom. Tibet is a big, high land in China, about the same size as South Africa. Because of problems with China, the Dalai Lama and many Tibetans had to leave their home and live in India since 1959.

Since he is almost 90 years old, some people worried about who will be the next Dalai Lama. This news comes just before his birthday in July. The Dalai Lama is loved by many because he speaks for peace and kindness. He even won a big prize called the Nobel Peace Prize for helping spread love and understanding. He once said that he would only keep being the Dalai Lama if many people wanted him to stay.

Now, he says he has received many messages from Tibetans and others asking him to keep the tradition going. So, he has confirmed that the Dalai Lama will continue in the future. Today, the Tibetan spiritual leader, called the Dalai Lama, said he will choose someone to be his next helper when he passes away.

This makes many people happy because they believe the Dalai Lama has been a kind and peaceful leader for over 600 years, guiding Tibetans and showing the world how to be gentle and caring. Even though China calls him a troublemaker, the Dalai Lama says he is just a simple Buddhist monk—a person who follows the teachings of Buddha, a wise spiritual teacher. The Dalai Lama says that finding the next one is a special responsibility that belongs to him and his people.