5 viral moments America’s nicest judge modelled Jesus

Judge Frank Caprio, beloved for his warmth and compassion on Caught in Providence, has died aged 88. Tim Bechervaise reflects on five moments where his blend of justice, grace and mercy revealed a heart that ultimately pointed to Jesus

I’ve discovered recently that procrastinating on YouTube can be a wholesome use of time. If it’s spent watching Frank Caprio videos, that is.

The man known as “America’s nicest judge” died last week from pancreatic cancer, aged 88, and how fitting that one of his last ever posts on Instagram said, “A life built on kindness is a life that echoes long after we’ve gone.” That’s because “Uncle Frank” was universally admired for his kindness, as shown on Caught in Providence, the programme that showed him preside over real, non-criminal cases in Rhode Island.  

Caprio came from a poor background, an experience that encouraged him to put himself in the shoes of those before him. He was also tremendously inspired by his father, an Italian migrant who, as a milkman, often helped cover the payments of customers struggling to pay their milk. Another inspiration was his faith. In a post shared shortly before his death, Caprio said, “I have a deep and abiding faith in the Catholic Church, in Jesus, in the power of prayer.” 

Since his death, clips highlighting Caprio’s compassion, wisdom, humour and kindness have gone viral. Here are five…