Frank Caprio: the friendliest judge in the fight against cancer

Catholic judge Frank Caprio has become one of the most recognized faces on social networks, simply because of his acts of goodness and compassion. For almost 40 years, he listened to the people who arrived at the Municipal Court of Rhode Island, United States, and always claimed to show them mercy.

His judicial work is transmitted in the American program Caught in Providence, nominated four times to Emmy. In 2017, the videos of their cases in court became viral, reaching more than 15 million visualizations.

Today, at 88, he asks for prayers to his followers after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. The reporter of EWTN News In DepthColm Flynn, traveled to Florida to meet who is called “the friendliest judge in the world.”

A judge with heart

“I had the most privileged childhood I could imagine .. the privilege of having grown up in poverty,” recalls the judge. His father, Antonio Caprio, was an Italian immigrant who worked as a milkman.

“Some mornings woke my older brother and me, at 4, to work with him in the truck. I learned one of the most valuable lessons working with my father: I learned to treat people. I learned understanding. I learned compassion, ”he said.

Inspired by his father’s words, Frank studied Law, approved the Advocacy exam in 1965, and in 1985 he became a judge of the Court of the Municipal Court of Providence. Many of the deliberations he presided over were televised for more than 20 years in the local chain.

From his first day on the stand, he understood that his role was not only to apply the law, but also to understand the circumstances of those who appeared before him.

“One of the first people who appeared before me was a woman with several parking fines,” he said. “It was stubborn, rude … Finally, in an act of despair, I said: ‘I charge the full amount and his car will be immobilized.’ I thought it had been quite firm. But my father, upon learning, told me: ‘I was scared. It has three children. How will you feed them? You probably removed the money from tonight’s dinner. ‘ That day I learned a great lesson. ”

For Frank that was a call for attention. Being in a position of power did not mean that I had to exercise it against those who did not have it. He understood that most people who arrived at their court were common and hardworking people, fighting day by day to get ahead.

Justice with mercy

Over the years, Caprio won the heart of the public with his human and empathic treatment. “It’s very simple: I just put myself in the shoes of the person in front of me. Compassion is a very, very powerful quality. ”

One of the cases that moved him most was that of an old man of 96 who received a fine for speeding. “He told me: ‘I drive slowly and only when necessary. I was leading my son to make blood analysis. ‘ Then I asked: ‘How old is your son?’ And he replied: ‘Sixty -three’. It was an unforgettable moment. His love and dedication as a father were moving. ”

He also remembers a single mother who arrived at her court with her little daughter. “He told me: ‘I’m doing my best, but I can’t pay this fine.’ I saw the girl looking at me with concern and I knew she had to help her. It was not just about applying the law, but of being just in the true meaning of the word. ”

A battle against cancer

Now, retired since 2023 and facing what is possibly his most difficult test, Caprio does not lose faith. “I never prejudged anyone. I always tried to be decent with everyone, ”he said. Its history, marked by empathy and service, continues to inspire millions and is reflected in your book “Compassion in the Court: stories that changed the life of the friendliest judge in the United States”.

On his diagnosis, he comments: “When they told me, my first reaction was of disbelief. But then I thought: ‘I have lived a life full of blessings.’ I will not allow this to define my last years. ”

Today, the judge who brought mercy to justice asks for something in return: prayers. “I only try to be strong. I am grateful for all the love and support I have received. ” And, with the same humility with which he guided his life, he concludes: “Maybe I only had a little luck.”

Before finishing the interview, Caprio left a message for all those who have followed him over the years: “If there is something I want to remember from me, we all deserve some compassion. In life, goodness always finds its way back. ”

In his book, he also wanted to leave a simple but concise message: “Be kind to others, be slow to judge and always show mercy.”