Bavarian Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger has been elected the 265th supreme pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church. His chosen name, Benedict XVI, has caused many to speculate on the form and shape his reign may take.

Identity crises are not limited to individuals. Nations may also suffer from identity crises that portend catastrophic consequences.

John Paul II was the third-longest reigning pope in the history of the Catholic Church, having led the church for 26 years. In many ways, the world has changed more dramatically under his term than under that of any other...