FRANK Caprio’s final Instagram post showed the beloved judge just hours before his death lying in a hospital bed.

Caprio, 88, known online as the “nicest judge in the world,” died on Wednesday after a battle with pancreatic cancer.

Photographed in the hospital, the judge smiled with a thumbs up and a small smile as the caption thanked everyone for the love and support.

“Your kindness and encouragement mean the world to him,” the post said.

“He and his family are deeply grateful.”

The post received almost 900,000 likes.

“Lots of prayers for you Judge Caprio,” one commenter said.

“May God hold your hand and you get well soon.”

Less than 24 hours before his death, he shared a video from his hospital bed asking for prayers.

His voice shaky, he told his followers that he had a health setback which put him back in the hospital.

“Last year, I asked you to pray for me. And it’s very obvious that you did because I came through a very difficult period,” Caprio said.

In 2023, the judge announced his pancreatic cancer diagnosis and started radiation.

“I ask you again, if it’s not too much, that you remember me in your prayers,” he said in the recent video.

Comments flooded the post wishing Caprio well while he was in the hospital.

“[Y]ou got this your honour, we will all be praying for you,” one commenter posted.

“We love you, Frank,” another said.

“We pray for you fully restored health and healing.”

The post announcing his death received almost 200,000 comments, many sending their well wishes to his family.

“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,” the post said on Wednesday.

“His warmth, humor, and kindness left an indelible mark on all who knew him.”

Caprio’s life

Caprio, who became a Providence, Rhode Island, judge in 1985, captured the hearts of many after he got his own daytime TV show, Caught in Providence.

The show aired from 2018 to 2020, and received multiple Daytime Emmy Award nominations.

Caprio retired in October 2023 after almost 40 years at Providence Municipal Court.

“Judge Caprio was a Rhode Island treasure,” Dan McKee, Rhode Island’s governor, wrote in a statement.

“On a personal level, he was a friend who faced his illness with bravery, and I will miss him dearly. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones, during this difficult time.”