Gorbachev, Pope Benedict XVI are trend-setters Mikhail Gorbachev and Pope Bendict XVI are the trend setters of the new world. The actions of Mikhail Gorbachev led to far-reaching changes in the world. Even though he had not anticipated the dissolution of the former Soviet Union, wanting only multi-party system to come into being instead of totalitarianism, other powerful and popular leaders emerged, along with new nations. Freedom for millions of people was the result of Gorbachev's actions which are not liked by traditional Communists. All the same, freedom is valuable. In the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Benedict XVI did not want to put up with things he could not bear. Rather than living a life of duplicity, he chose to remain steadfast in his beliefs. Abdicating the most powerful position on Planet Earth is not that simple. He has done that, now leading to the process for election of a new Pope. Now-a-days renunciation is a far cry for even those who are sworn to renunciation.