a religious figure
China has reiterated its attitude to the Dalai Lama, Kong said,adding that the Dalai Lama is not a religious figure but a political activist engaging in splitting China.
In the context of the all-round development of Sino-Canadian relations, Canada should not provide a platform for the Dalai Lama,Kong said, expressing the hope that Canada correct its mistake and cancel the meeting between Canadian officials and him.
Xinhuanet Apr.15.04
Well it does beg the question of who is a religious figure, if he isn't. The Pope? Celine Dion? Karl Rove?
