Pope Urban II

Launched the First Crusade

Medieval influential 136 sayings

Sayings by Pope Urban II

They cut open the navels of those whom they have captured, pull out their entrails, and tie them to a stake, and then beat them until their entrails are all drawn forth.

1095 — Speech at the Council of Clermont, as recorded by Fulcher of Chartres (This detail is considered hig…
Controversial Unverifiable

They violate the women of the Christians.

1095 — Speech at the Council of Clermont, as recorded by Fulcher of Chartres
Controversial Unverifiable

Therefore, I exhort and implore you—not I, but the Lord—to go as soldiers of Christ.

1095 — Speech at the Council of Clermont, as recorded by Fulcher of Chartres
Controversial Unverifiable

Let us avenge the injuries of God.

1095 — Speech at the Council of Clermont, as recorded by Robert the Monk
Controversial Unverifiable

All who are burdened with debt and wish to escape it, let them join this holy expedition.

1095 — Speech at the Council of Clermont, as recorded by Robert the Monk (This is a common interpretation o…
Controversial Unverifiable

You should not be detained by any love of your ancestral soil, for this land which you inhabit is barren and stony.

1095 — Speech at the Council of Clermont, as recorded by Robert the Monk
Controversial Unverifiable

The land of the Saracens is fertile and rich.

1095 — Speech at the Council of Clermont, as recorded by Robert the Monk
Controversial Unverifiable

Let those who have been hired as mercenaries for trivial pay, now earn an eternal reward.

1095 — Speech at the Council of Clermont, as recorded by Fulcher of Chartres
Controversial Unverifiable

Let those who have been for a long time plunderers, now become Christian knights.

1095 — Speech at the Council of Clermont, as recorded by Robert the Monk
Controversial Unverifiable

The kingdom of the Greeks is already dismembered by them.

1095 — Speech at the Council of Clermont, as recorded by Fulcher of Chartres
Controversial Unverifiable

Go, therefore, with confidence to the battle of the Lord, knowing that He is with you.

1095 — Speech at the Council of Clermont, as recorded by Robert the Monk
Controversial Unverifiable

Let this be your war-cry in battle: 'God wills it! God wills it!'

1095 — Speech at the Council of Clermont, as recorded by Robert the Monk
Controversial Unverifiable

Let no one who has entered upon this pilgrimage turn back.

1095 — Decree following the Council of Clermont
Controversial Unverifiable

Those who have made a vow to go to Jerusalem, let them fulfill it as soon as possible.

1095 — Letter to the Flemings, as recorded by Robert the Monk
Controversial Unverifiable

We grant to them, by the power of God, absolution for all their sins.

1095 — Speech at the Council of Clermont, as recorded by Robert the Monk
Controversial Unverifiable

Let those who have been accustomed to fight for a little gain against Christians, now fight for an eternal reward against the infidels.

1095 — Speech at the Council of Clermont, as recorded by Robert the Monk
Controversial Unverifiable

Let the rich help the poor, and the poor help the rich.

1095 — Speech at the Council of Clermont, as recorded by Fulcher of Chartres
Controversial Unverifiable

We command all of you to prepare yourselves for the journey.

1095 — Speech at the Council of Clermont, as recorded by Robert the Monk
Controversial Unverifiable

The land of promise, which the Lord gave to the children of Israel, is now occupied by the enemies of Christ.

1095 — Speech at the Council of Clermont, as recorded by Robert the Monk
Controversial Unverifiable

Let no one imagine that this expedition is for the sake of plunder, but for the remission of sins.

1095 — Speech at the Council of Clermont, as recorded by Robert the Monk
Controversial Unverifiable