Judge Frank Caprio, known for going viral due to his kindness and understanding toward people in his courtroom, has died. He was 88 years old.

Caprio died “peacefully” after battling pancreatic cancer, according to an Instagram post. 

What they’re saying:

“Beloved for his compassion, humility, and unwavering belief in the goodness of people, Judge Caprio touched the lives of millions through his work in the courtroom and beyond. His warmth, humor, and kindness left an indelible mark on all who knew him. He will be remembered not only as a respected judge, but as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend,” the Instagram published to Caprio’s official account, read.

‘Pray for me’

Less than 24 hours before his passing, a video of Caprio was shared, also on his Instagram, asking for prayers. Caprio was soft-spoken and smiled throughout the video. 

Compassionate judge

The backstory:

Caprio reached peak virility in 2017 after videos of him began to circulate on social media showing the kind-hearted judge helping people who were ticketed in Providence, Rhode Island.

Videos of Caprio calling children to come up on the bench to help pass judgment on their parents and making high schoolers promise to attend college in return for dropping tickets have reached hundreds of millions of viewers.

He even worked out payment plans for people who were struggling financially.

Caprio said at the time the reason why he believed he went viral was because people had lost faith in government and were accustomed to institutions coming down hard without regard for personal circumstances.

“I think I should take into consideration whether somebody is sick and whether their mother died and whether they have kids who are starving,” he said. “I don’t wear a badge under my robe. I wear a heart under my robe.”

Caprio’s show, “Caught in Providence,” had been in production for years before it got picked up by FOX TV Stations in 2017.