Pope Urban II

Arise, then, and go against this wicked race, and fight for the people of God!

Let those who have been robbers, now become soldiers of Christ.

For the land which you inhabit, shut in on all sides by the seas and surrounded by the mountain peaks, is too narrow for your large population.

That land, as the Scripture says, 'floweth with milk and honey,' and Jerusalem is the navel of the world.

All who die by the way, whether by land or by sea, or in battle against the pagans, shall have immediate remission of sins.

Let no delay postpone the journey.

Christ commands it.

O most valiant soldiers and descendants of invincible ancestors, do not degenerate, but recall the valor of your forefathers.

Let no property, no labors detain you, for this land of yours, which is so fertile, has hardly enough to support its cultivators.

God wills it! God wills it!

What are you doing, sluggish race, if not to fight for Christ?

If you are conquered, you will have the glory of those who die for Christ.

Let no one, on account of his possessions, hesitate to set out.

All who are going to go into battle should wear the sign of the cross on their garments.

We, by the authority of Almighty God and of the blessed apostles Peter and Paul, grant to all who undertake this expedition remission of sins.

Know that for all those who die in this expedition, there will be a sure entrance into paradise.

Let no obstacle impede you, but go forth, trusting in the Lord.

A people, a truly alien people, utterly estranged from God, has invaded the lands of the Christians and has depopulated them by sword, plunder, and fire.

They have destroyed the churches of God or have converted them to the rites of their own religion.

They torture Christians with unheard-of cruelties.