Pope Urban II and the Call to Crusade

On November 27, 1095, Pope Urban II delivered a sermon that incited the launch of the Crusades, urging European nobles to unite against Muslim powers in the East. His message framed the initiative not only as a religious pilgrimage but also as a means of purging societal violence and achieving peace, which he termed the 'peace of God.' He promised spiritual salvation for those who died in the campaign, promising that their sins would be forgiven and they would attain heaven. The pope's passionate appeal resonated with the crowd, leading to the famous rallying cry 'Deus vult,' or 'God wills it,' marking a pivotal moment in medieval history as armies began their trek to re-Christianize the Holy Land.