The Russian Orthodox Church elected moderniser Metropolitan Kirill, 62, as its new leader on Tuesday, succeeding Alexiy II, who died last month.
A church official said on live television that the Local Council, made up of about 700 priests, monks and laymen, chose Kirill over his rival, conservative nationalist Metropolitan Kliment, 59.
Kirill received 508 votes from a total of 677 valid ballots cast.