What is the highest religious position in Islam compared to the Pope in Christianity?

Elevated status in Islam, both in this world and the hereafter, is achieved through piety (taqwa), knowledge, and faith, as Allah Almighty says: "Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you" (Quran 49:13), and His saying: "Allah will raise those who have believed among you and those who were given knowledge, by degrees" (Quran 58:11). The Prophet (peace be upon him) clarified that the one who is best at reciting the Quran, the most knowledgeable, and the oldest should lead the prayer (imam). Jurists have mentioned that people of knowledge and those steadfast in obedience are given precedence in judgeship and leadership. Thus, a high position in Islam is commensurate with one's adherence to religion and sacred knowledge. The more knowledgeable and just a person is, the higher their status.