Madonna Holding Out Hope For Mercy James

Despite being initially denied in her adoption attempts of Mercy James, a 4-year-old Malawi girl, Madonna said she still wants to provide a family, and the best education and health care possible, for the child.

"I want to provide Mercy with a home, a loving family environment and the best education and health care possible. And it's my hope that she like David, will one day return to Malawi and help the people of their country," the singer said in an e-mail interview with Malawi's The Nation newspaper Sunday.

Malawi judge Esimie Chombo said she denied Madonna's attempt to adopt a second child from the nation (she adopted son David from there in 2006) in fears it would set a bad precedent in its adoption process.

"Anyone could come to Malawi and quickly arrange for an adoption that might have grave consequences on the very children that the law seeks to protect," the judge said in her ruling.

The pop superstar, who has sold more than 200 million albums, stayed mum concerning the progress of her appeal.

"Though I have been advised that I cannot publicly discuss the pending appeal regarding my desire to adopt Mercy," she said, "I do want to say how much I appreciate the level of support that I have received from the people of Malawi and my friends around the world."

(Photo: Splash News)