Gorbachev also attempted to change the economic system of the USSR from a command economy to one closer to capitalism, which didn't fair to well in the country and thus, greatly aided in the collapse, which is ironic.

The Pope led a peaceful revolution against communism, something Reagan cannot claim as some of effects of his way have led to the turmoil in the Middle East, and while I didn't agree with the Pope about a great many things, I can't deny that his influence carried much more weight and power than even Reagan. He reached out to more people, 1.2 billion versus 200 million or how ever many at the time lived in the USA. One needed the other to succeed, they couldn't have done it alone, but together formed a partnership that was able to succeed.

It should also be pointed out, that democracy didn't triumph over communism as the US is not a democracy but a Republic and the USSR was not anywhere near what Communism is supposed to be.

Take care all.