We're dealing with earthly matters, here, not heavenly ones. God may be in charge in the metaphysical sense, but particular individuals are in charge in the physical sense.

Heads of churches, pastors, the pope, directors of Christian schools, all sound to me like Christian leaders. They all have an incredible amount of influence over the laymen.

Many of them have been, and continue to be actively involved in bringing us to the current state of affairs. Many others are deafeningly silent on the matter. Some of that silence is principled (in the apolitical sense), but much of it is also opportunistic.

I happen to disagree with this. The only real Christian leaders are those who are following Christ. In all authority, authority is granted. Leadership is essential, and Christians are warned to be on the lookout for wolves among the sheep.

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%2020%3A28%...

I know a few people like the Pope, or any of the ~15 Patriarchs who might disagree with this.