His unique approach to justice, based on empathy and common sense, made him a global figure; he died at the age of 88 after battling pancreatic cancer.

Frank Caprio will be remembered as a different kind of judge. For more than four decades in the chambers of Providence, Rhode Island (United States), he showed that justice could be exercised with empathy, common sense, and a dose of humor that made him a symbol of humanity around the world.

His international fame came thanks to the television program Caught in Providence, where millions of people could see how Caprio applied the law without losing sight of the personal circumstances of each defendant. Far from the usual rigidity of the courts, the judge preferred to listen attentively, offer second chances, and, at times, transform hearings into life lessons.

His videos, widely shared on social media, racked up billions of views and earned him the nickname the world's friendliest judge. In them, he was seen inviting children to sit next to him on the bench, forgiving fines for people in difficult situations, or calmly explaining that justice should also be at the service of compassion.

Throughout his career, Caprio insisted that his approach to work was a reflection of everyday life. The cases reflect the same problems faced by people across the country, he explained on one of his programs, asserting that his work sought to connect with human realities and not simply apply automatic sanctions.

His popularity also translated into accolades: Caught in Providence was nominated three times for Daytime Emmys, and Caprio received two personal nominations as a host. However, his fans on social media emphasize that his greatest accolades were the countless acts of kindness he inspired around the world.

He died at the age of 88 due to cancer.

In December 2023, he announced that he had pancreatic cancer, a disease he fought until his death last week at the age of 88. In one of his last public appearances, he asked his followers to pray for him and thanked them for the affection they had received.

Say a prayer.

— JUDGE FRANK CAPRIO (@Frankcaprio_) December 9, 2023

His son, David, on behalf of the family, urged everyone to remember his father by spreading kindness, a message he posted on social media that epitomizes the spirit with which Caprio lived. He is survived by his wife, Joyce, with whom he shared nearly six decades of marriage, his five children, seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.