The Catholic Church is mourning the death of Rev. Fr. Benjamin Madu, a 54-year-old Nigerian priest, who reportedly died by suicide at his residence in Massachusetts, United States, after being unable to renew his religious worker visa.
Fr. Madu was found dead at his home on July 2, 2026, just weeks before his R-1 religious worker visa was due to expire on July 29, 2026.
He served at St. Ann Parish, Our Lady of Good Voyage in Gloucester, and St. Joachim Parish in Rockport, where he was widely respected by parishioners.
According to reports, his efforts to renew his visa were unsuccessful due to stricter U.S. immigration policies introduced under President Donald Trump, which tightened visa requirements and immigration procedures. Under the new rules, Fr. Madu was required to return to Nigeria before he could apply for a new visa.
In June 2026, members of his parishes appealed to U.S. authorities to allow him to remain in the country, citing his dedicated pastoral service and the important role he played in their communities.
NBC Boston, citing a source familiar with the matter, reported that Fr. Madu died by suicide.
Before his death, Fr. Madu had shared with parishioners that he was deeply distressed about the prospect of returning to Nigeria, saying he was heartbroken by the decision that would end his ministry in the United States.
In a farewell message published on his parish’s website, he wrote:
“I never wanted to return to Nigeria, but circumstances beyond my control have brought my time in America to an end. My heart is broken, but the joy of serving these wonderful people will remain with me forever.”
He also said that he would always consider the people of Gloucester and Rockport his second family and hoped to one day return and serve them again.
Nigerian Civil Society Coalition Urges Trump Administration to Suspend Deportations
Following Fr. Madu’s death, the US-Nigeria Civil Society Coalition called on President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio to temporarily suspend the forced deportation of Nigerian nationals from the United States until their safety can be guaranteed upon return.
The coalition also urged the U.S. government to grant Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to Nigerians fleeing violence and insecurity.
It argued that immigration policies introduced in early 2026 have made it significantly more difficult for Nigerians—particularly Catholic priests and other religious workers—to renew visas or obtain permanent legal status in the United States.
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