Living Buddha takes on a new political role

From the acne scars on his cheeks to the soft moustache on his upper lip, youth manifests itself on the face of the Living Buddha in saffron robes.

He is the recantation of Reting Rinpoche, once a religious regent in Tibet.

The 16-year-old 7th Reting Living Buddha, whose secular name is Suonam Phuntso, now has yet another role - he is the youngest member of political advisory body the Tibet Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference.