Friday 20 May 2022 07:19 PM Jill Biden forms unlikely friendship with socialite turned Ecuador first lady trends now
Jill Biden ended her last day in Ecuador with a tour of some of its churches with first lady Maria de Lourdes Alcivar de Lasso.
The two women toured the historic La Compania de Jesus Church, an ornate cathedral in downtown Quito that took over 160 years to build.
They walked down the aisle, with Alcivar de Lasso pointing out details of the gold leaf, the arch ways, the gilded sealing and the statues of saints in nooks around the basilica.
Biden and Alcivar de Lasso each lit a candle by the alter although the first lady smiled and declined to answer when later asked who she lit her candle for.
Alcivar de Lasso took communion. Biden, who is not Catholic, did not.
Biden then made an unscheduled stop at the Immaculate Conception church. Alcivar de Lasso invited her to visit and Biden accepted. The two women spent 30 minutes alone in the church with just their security and aides after having spent the past three days together.
‘We’ve become friends,’ Biden said Thursday of Alcivar de Lasso.
And that friendship was on display their final day when the first lady of Ecuador showed up at the airport to hug and kiss Biden goodbye. Biden also received roses and a gift bag from Alcivar de Lasso.
They are an unlikely duo – Biden teaches English at a community college and her husband is a longtime Democrat.
Alcivar de Lasso is a socialite turned politician’s wife. And her husband tilts more toward the conservative end of the political spectrum. Alcivar de Lasso caused a controversy in November when she told women they were only victims 'if we allow ourselves to be.'
First lady Jill Biden and the first lady of Ecuador Maria de Lourdes Alcivar de Lasso light candles at the Church of the Society of Jesus in Quito
U.S. first lady Jill Biden embraces Ecuador's first lady Maria de Lourdes Alcivar de Lasso formed an unlikely friendship during Biden's trip
First lady Jill Biden and the first lady of Ecuador Maria de Lourdes Alcivar de Lasso listen to a piano player as they visit the Church of the Society of Jesus
First lady Jill Biden arrives in Panama City, Panama
Biden takes a softer approach, telling audiences she’s there to listen.
That soft sell was on display during the first lady’s three-country tour to Latin America, a region that has felt neglected by President Joe Biden’s administration.
Biden, in remarks on Wednesday, stressed the importance of democracy in a region that does not have a history of it. The three countries she’s visiting – Ecuador, Panama and Costa Rica – all have established democracy as neighboring countries have struggled with it.
In Panama, Biden will meet with that country’s first lady, Yazmin Colon de Cortizo. After a private meeting over coffee, the two will tour a local school that provides eyeglasses and hearing aids to students.
On Wednesday, during her goodwill tour, Jill Biden emphasized the connection the Americas share and President Joe Biden's commitment to the region in a speech here on Thursday.
Her remarks came as some Latin American countries have felt neglected by the Biden administration and the president's focus on Europe and Chinese influence in the South Pacific.
'We are connected, especially in the Americans,' the first lady said, adding if one nation in the region is vulnerable to authoritarianism or poverty, 'it won't be long before those same problems reach us all.'
'But when nations here in South America embrace democracy you become a living proof that governments can deliver for the people that they represent - inspiring others to follow,' she said.
She emphasized President Biden's commitment to the region.
'You know, Joe, and I hope that you know that he cares deeply about you and I do too. And that's why I'm here today,' she said.
'The United States is committed to Ecuador,' she said to
