A judge in Malawi has issued an interim order allowing American pop star Madonna to adopt a one-year-old boy from the southern African nation.

A high court registrar said the judge agreed to the request filed earlier Thursday in the capital, Lilongwe.

The registrar said the court will meet again to make a final ruling on the proposed adoption by Madonna and her husband, Guy Ritchie.  Under Malawi law, adoptions are reviewed for 18 months before final approval.

A local farmer told reporters he was the father of the boy being adopted.  He said the mother died shortly after childbirth, and he is unable to support his son.

Madonna visits orphanage in Malawi

Madonna arrived in the impoverished nation last week, in part to inspect an orphan care center she is funding near Lilongwe.

The pop star has not commented on the adoption reports.  A spokeswoman for Madonna previously denied she was seeking to adopt a child in Malawi.