Cardinal on Course for Conclave: Boarding at Gate 4

Among the ten American cardinals eligible to vote in choosing the future pontiff, Timothy M. Dolan is preparing for his journey.

Reporting from various points at Kennedy International Airport, Elizabeth Dias captures the scene from the check-in counter, through security, and at Gate 4 in Terminal 1.

Law enforcement officers were vigilant by the departure entrance, anticipating Cardinal Dolan's imminent arrival at Terminal 1 at JFK Airport.

At 6:32 p.m. on a Tuesday, approximately 39 hours following the announcement of Pope Francis's passing, Cardinal Dolan of New York boarded ITA Airways flight AZ611, scheduled to leave for Fiumicino Airport in Rome from Gate 4 at 9:10 p.m.

Greeting an officer with a jovial 'How’s my friend!' he emerged from the passenger side of a Toyota Sienna, while aides managed luggage from the trunk.

Among the first U.S. cardinals heading to Rome, Dolan is soon to be joined by Cardinals Robert W. McElroy and Wilton Gregory from Washington, and Blase Cupich from Chicago.

Travelers took notice of the activity surrounding the man donned in a black suit and Roman collar as he proceeded to a reserved check-in area. Unusual for his frequent Rome visits, Cardinal Dolan planned to stay several weeks for the ceremonies surrounding the papal transition.

As he inspected a Vatican luggage tag from a suitcase, he remarked, 'I didn’t realize this tag was from the 2013 conclave!'