Madonna Wants "A Loving Family Environment" for Mercy

The 50-year-old, newly single pop star is still hoping to adopt a little girl from Malawi

Madonna is speaking out for the first time about her failed adoption bid for 3-year-old Mercy James.

"I want to provide Mercy with a home, a loving family environment and the best education and health care possible," the 50-year-old pop star told Malawi's Nation on Sunday newspaper, according to Reuters. "And it's my hope that she, like David, will one day return to Malawi and help the people of their country."

In March, a Malawi judge rejected the Material Mom's request because of a law restricting nonresidents from adopting children. Madonna has appealed the decision.

"Though I have been advised that I cannot publicly discuss the pending appeal regarding my desire to adopt Mercy, 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," she said.

Despite the law, Madonna successfully adopted son David Banda, now 3, from Malawi in 2006.