In an interview with the BBC, the Dalai Lama, who in the past has proclaimed himself a feminist, said he’d support a future female successor – with a certain caveat.

In an edited video around the 4:50 minute mark, the BBC’s Clive Myrie asked the 80-year-old spiritual leader if there will be a 15th incarnation of the Dalai Lama after him and if his successor could be a woman.

“Yes,” the Tibetan Buddhist said. “The female biologically [has] more potential to show affection and compassion.”

He then recalled a time, more than 15 years ago, when a female reporter from a women’s magazine asked him a similar question. He said he told her that if a female was the next Dalai Lama, her “face should be very attractive, otherwise not much use.”

After some awkward laughter from Myrie and a follow-up question of “you’re joking, I’m assuming?” the Dalai Lama, who has often been characterized as a “religious rockstar,” said “No, it’s true.”