Madge wanted African tot to have 'a loving family environment'

London, April 13 (ANI): Madonna has opened up for the first time about her failed attempt to adopt four-year-old Malawian orphan Mercy James.

The Queen of Pop had to face dejection when her application was declined due to a requirement that prospective parents be resident in the country for 18 to 24 months.

The 50-year-old said that she wanted to make sure that the tot, who would have been a sister to her adopted Malawian son David Banda and her biological kids Lourdes and Rocco, was raised in "a loving family environment".

"I want to provide Mercy with a home, a loving family environment and the best education and healthcare possible," the Daily Star quoted her as telling Malawi's Nation newspaper in response to its questions.

"It's my hope that she, like David, will one day return to Malawi and help the people of their country," she added.

The singer is still allegedly keen on bringing Mercy to her New York home, and has filed an appeal against the judge's ruling.

She added: "Though I have been advised that I cannot publicly discuss the pending appeal, I do want to say how much I appreciate the level of support that I have received from the people of Malawi and from my friends around the world." (ANI)