Pope Urban II — "The way to the Holy Sepulchre is now open, a way which was closed before."

"You should shudder, brethren, you should shudder at raising a violent hand against Christians; it is less wicked to brandish your sword against Saracens [Muslims]. It is the only warfare that is right…"

"When you have decided to go, you must publicly make your vow and dedicate yourselves to God."

"The land which you inhabit is too narrow for your large population; it scarcely furnishes food enough for its cultivators. Hence it is that you murder and devour one another."

"Warriors who hear my voice, you who will go to war, rejoice, because you are taking up a legitimate war… Arm yourselves with the sword of the Maccabees and go to defend the house of Israel who is the …"

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