Significant Reforms Of Pope Urban II

Urban II was elected pope after the death of Gregory VII and Victor III’s short reign. He then became the head of the Roman Catholic church and laid down the structures for the papal monarchy. He expanded and strengthened the papal administration, spread Christianity and started the first crusade. Describe the significant reforms in the papacy begun by Pope Urban II. Why was the papacy in such great need of a reform? Were Urbans II’s motives entirely religious, or did he have political motivations as well?
While Urban II was in office he continued to pursue reforms from Gregory VII. but also made improvements on his own. During the 11th century, Pope Urban II gave a speech at the Council of Clermont calling all Christians in Europe

The crusade was an attempt to regain papal authority and expand Christianity. The religion was preached on a daily basis and consumed everyday life; however, Urban II recognized that Antipope Clement III was destroying the image of Christianity and he would have to save it. The Europeans have been on the defensive side for centuries, constantly needing to stand their ground, but it was time to take charge. The Crusade was a step closer to making their civilization universal, expanding their territory, and eventually allow for the growth of their religion. This was how Christian warfare and protection of the Church started. Parts of Europe have already been invaded, but by rescuing Jerusalem it demonstrated the power of the papacy and its influence among countries. However, this made many question the intentions of Urban II because it was difficult to tell if he was acting to protect Christianity or to gain power as pope. If he hadn’t given his speech at Clermont, he may not have gained the respect and power he had afterward. The successful papacy of Urban II allowed for him to eventually developed a central governing structure for the church. This would lay down the foundations for his successor and the new administration. The administration was intended to help the Pope in his communication and decision-making. Many presidents around the world have a similar system

He was so determined to get his message and thoughts across to others that he would travel around Europe to hold council meetings to speak about the necessity of a crusade. There was much doubt about who would jump on board but through his perseverance and leadership, he was able to obtain the support of even the Southern portion of Europe. He convinced others Christians to join forces to fight for the same cause. His tactics were well executed because it united a divided continent, making them stronger than one would imagine. The mission of the first crusade motivated a desire to destroy those who opposed the church and in order to get more people to fight, he promised them salvation from the sins they were bound to commit. He insisted to his soldiers that by going to Jerusalem, they were given a free pass, they would be able to do what was needed and go unpunished as it was “in the name of God”. This showed the power of the Pope and papacy because they demonstrated how they were able to manipulate their people to risk their lives in war. When Urban II mentioned forgiveness to Christians he knew that they would blindly follow orders as they believed God spoke through him. Not only was it his plan to secure control of Jerusalem, but to fight for the Church’s power in Europe. He seemed to believe that the crusade was God’s way to save the Holy Land and this would unite Christians to fight