List of 20th-century religious leaders


;List of 19th-century religious leaders – List of 21st-century religious leaders – Lists of religious leaders by century
See also:
  • State leaders by year
  • International organization leaders by year
  • Colonial governors by year
This is a list of the top-level leaders for religious groups with at least 50,000 adherents, and that led anytime from January 1, 1901, to December 31, 2000. It should likewise only name leaders listed on other articles and lists.

Buddhism

Catholicism

Roman Catholicism

Autocephalous Churches

;International
;North America

Provinces of the Anglican Communion

Sunni

Twelver

Ismaili

;Asia
;Europe
;North America
Note: Some religions reject the idea of having a leader or leading council in such a way that they can not be listed. When possible/plausible a leading figure will be named, but in some cases this will not be possible or desirable.