Because of his age and contributions to theology, Dulles is considered the dean of American theologians. The next cardinal will not turn 80 until August 25. After the consistory, John Paul II will have appointed all but 10 of the 128 cardinals under the age of 80 who will elect his successor. The U.S. has the second largest number of cardinals after Italy. After the 1998 consistory, the U.S. had 11 cardinals under 80.
Cardinals have three main functions in the church.
First, they meet in a conclave to elect a new pope after the death or resignation of a pope. Second, cardinals advise and help the pope in the governance of the universal church. Third, they hold the title to a church in Rome for which they are responsible. The Bannan Institute is an educational enterprise at SCU that endeavors to assist the University in enhancing its Catholic and Jesuit character. The Institute offers faculty, staff, students, and friends opportunities to explore the implications of Jesuit spirituality and mission in the ongoing life of the contemporary University.