The **order of succession** is a sequence of people and events in a specific order. It may mean the passing of royal or other powers, such as in a dynasty.

The "order of succession" may be used in a historical way such as in a list of former leaders. Also, the phrase may mean the plan for how a leader takes over from another because of death, resignation, or removal.

Past lists
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Succession becomes a chronology that has developed during time which has passed like a list of popes or a list of emperors of Japan.

Succession histories are unique but not always obvious For example, Charles IX of Sweden (1604–1611) was only the third Swedish king named Charles.

### Popes

Pope Francis is the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church. Saint Peter is listed as the first one.

Across the span of centuries, there have been problems with the list and the order of succession after St. Peter. For example: During the Western schism in the 14th century, there was more than one pope at the same time. Each had notable international support. Only some of then are included on the chronology of today's list.

European leaders then had to choose to support one pope or the other. 

* France, Aragon, Castile and León, Cyprus, Burgundy, Savoy, Naples, and Scotland recognized the Avignon popes.
* Denmark, England, Flanders, the Holy Roman Empire, Hungary, northern Italy, Ireland, Norway, Poland, and Sweden recognized the Roman popes.

### Japanese monarchs

Naruhito is the 126th Emperor of Japan. Emperor Jimmu is listed as the first one.

The list and the order of succession after Jimmu is not clear. For example, during the Nanboku-chō period in the 14th century, there was more than one emperor at the same time, and each had notable support. Only some of them some are included in today's list.

For 500 years, the Imperial chronology included Emperor Kōgon, Emperor Kōmyō, Emperor Sukō, Emperor Go-Kōgon and Emperor Go-En'yū. In the 19th century, those men were removed from the list. At the same time, Emperor Go-Murakami, Emperor Chōkei and Emperor Go-Kameyama were added.

Future list
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The "order of succession" or "line of succession" is a formal plan to determine who inherits a future role or a position in a hierarchy after a death or another cause creates a vacancy or an opportunity for succession.

Many countries have developed formal succession planning. In contrast, Kim Jong-il of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea selected his youngest son as the "Dear Successor" or "Great Successor". The process that led to his choice is not known.

### Monarchies

In some countries, including Sweden since 1980, the Netherlands since 1983, Norway since 1990, Belgium since 1991, Denmark since 2009, and the United Kingdom since 2015, the oldest child of a monarch is expected to become the next monarch. That is known as "full" or "equal" as primogeniture.

In many countries including Spain and Japan, special preference is given to male children. That is known as "male primogeniture."

### Presidencies

Vice President Lyndon Johnson taking the oath of office after the assassination of the US Pesident in 1963
In the United States, the line of succession is explained in the "Presidential Succession Act of 1947". If the US President cannot fullfil his duties, the Vice President is expected to take his place, and the House Speaker is next.